Soupe de purée de courgettes is a light, creamy, and flavorful zucchini soup that's perfect for any time of the year. It's simple to prepare and can be served hot or cold. Here's a recipe to make this delightful soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized zucchinis (courgettes), chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
- 1 medium potato, peeled and chopped (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 750 ml (about 3 cups) of vegetable or chicken broth
- 100 ml (about 1/2 cup) of heavy cream or crème fraîche
- A handful of fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or thyme), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and chop the zucchinis into small pieces. If using a potato, peel and chop it as well.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped zucchini (and potato, if using) to the pot.
- Stir to combine with the onions and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly.
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Add the Broth:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, enough to cover the vegetables.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini (and potato) are fully cooked and tender.
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Blend the Soup:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from heat.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
- If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
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Finish the Soup:
- Return the pot to low heat, and stir in the heavy cream or crème fraîche.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Cook for a few more minutes to heat through, but avoid boiling.
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Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve hot, or chill in the refrigerator if you prefer to serve it cold.
Enjoy your delicious soupe de purée de courgettes!