Very Creamy Zucchini Soup 🥒🍜

This delightful zucchini soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! Perfect as a comforting starter or a light main dish, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy garden-fresh zucchini. The blend of herbs and spices makes it a flavorful treat, while the creaminess will keep you coming back for more. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a swirl of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance! 🌿✨

Ingredients

For the soup

• 4 medium zucchinis, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For garnish

• Fresh basil or chives, chopped
• Olive oil drizzle
• Croutons (optional)

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

🍳 Make sure not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter. Stir frequently!

• Add the chopped zucchini and diced potato to the pot along with the thyme and paprika. Stir for a few minutes until the zucchini starts to soften.

• Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

🔥 This is a great time to taste and adjust your seasoning! Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

• Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches.

🥄 Be cautious when blending hot liquids. Allow the soup to cool slightly to avoid any splatter.

• After blending, return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and warm gently over low heat. Adjust the consistency with more broth if desired and taste for seasoning.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and croutons if you like!

Variations

• Dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, vegan-friendly option. 🌱
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for a little heat.
• Add-ins: Try adding cooked quinoa or lentils for some added protein and texture. Just throw them in before blending for a heartier soup! 💪
• Herbaceous twist: Incorporate fresh dill or parsley instead of basil for different flavor profiles.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Very Creamy Zucchini Soup! ☕️🥒