Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
Sunflower oil (enough for frying)
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 sweet potatoes, diced
2 zucchini, diced
1 hot bell pepper, deseeded and chopped (optional)
Water (enough to cover the vegetables)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
200 ml low-fat cream (10% fat)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Sauté the vegetables: Get your taste buds going! Add sunflower oil to a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Then, sauté the chopped onions for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Once the onions are cooked, add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrant aroma.
Simmer the soup: Now it’s time to add the heart of the soup! Add the diced carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and hot bell pepper (if you’re craving a spicy kick). Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes. This will tenderize the vegetables and release their delicious aroma.
Purée the soup (optional): For a smooth and creamy consistency, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and purée until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step altogether.
Season and garnish: This is where the magic happens! Stir in low-fat cream, salt, and black pepper. Taste and season to taste. Finally, garnish the creamy zucchini soup with a pinch of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Serving: Enjoy your delicious and healthy zucchini soup while it’s still hot! It’s a perfect light meal on its own, or you can pair it with a whole-wheat roll for a more filling option.
Additional information:
Don’t have sunflower oil? You can substitute it with olive oil or vegetable oil.
Want to make it vegan? Simply omit the cream and use a plant-based milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk.
This soup is a great base for individual variations! Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or peas. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
Bottom line:
This creamy zucchini soup is a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of zucchini and other nutritious vegetables. It’s low in calories, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. So next time you’re looking for a light and filling meal that won’t weigh you down, give this recipe a try! You might rediscover the hidden treasure of zucchini soup.
