Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Zucchini (2 medium-sized, 700 g)
• Onion (2 medium-sized)
• Carrot (1 large)
• Bell pepper (½ large)
• Water (500-600 ml, enough to cover the vegetables but not fully submerge them)
• Vegetable oil (15 ml)
• Butter (15 g)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh dill (for garnish)

For the Croutons:

• White bread (100 g, preferably stale)
• Vegetable oil (20 ml)
• Paprika (½ tsp)
• Dried Provençal herbs (½ tsp)
• Salt (½ tsp)
• Garlic (1 clove, minced)

Steps to Make It

1. Prepare the Vegetables

1. Peel and chop the vegetables: Peel the zucchini, onion, and carrot. Cut the zucchini into cubes, slice the onion, and chop the carrot into small pieces. Cut the bell pepper in half, remove the seeds, and chop it into strips or cubes.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and bell pepper to the pan and sauté them for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

2. Cook the Soup

1. Add the Zucchini: Add the zucchini cubes to the saucepan and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. The zucchini will release its moisture and begin to soften.
2. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the water, ensuring it covers the vegetables, but not too much. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
3. Blend the Soup: Once the vegetables are fully cooked and soft, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a creamy and smooth texture. If you prefer a slightly chunky texture, pulse the blender a few times to leave some bits intact.
4. Season the Soup: Stir in the butter and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if it’s too thick.
5. Garnish: Once the soup is done, serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped dill for a burst of fresh flavor.

3. Prepare the Croutons

1. Cut the Bread: Slice the bread into small cubes.
2. Toss in Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the bread cubes with vegetable oil, paprika, dried herbs, salt, and minced garlic. Toss well to coat the bread evenly.
3. Toast the Croutons: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned bread cubes. Toast the croutons for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Calories (Kcal)

Approximately 200 kcal per serving (including croutons)

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless

Zucchini soup has become a staple in kitchens around the world, and for good reason. It is an extremely versatile, nutrient-dense dish that can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. The creamy consistency of this soup, thanks to blending the cooked vegetables, makes it indulgent without being heavy.

The addition of fresh dill brings a fragrant herbal touch, elevating the dish to something that feels both hearty and fresh at the same time. Zucchini, a summer squash, is often underappreciated in cooking, but this recipe brings out its mild, slightly sweet flavor, which pairs beautifully with other vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers.

In addition to its rich flavor, zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable, full of vitamins and antioxidants, making this soup not only delicious but also a healthy choice for those looking to nourish their bodies with wholesome ingredients. Paired with homemade croutons, this soup has a satisfying crunch that adds texture and enhances the flavor profile, making it the perfect comfort food year-round.

Its simplicity in ingredients combined with a delicate yet bold flavor profile makes this recipe timeless. The ability to quickly transform basic vegetables into a creamy and satisfying soup is what keeps this dish a favorite across different seasons and cuisines.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugars: 6 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Potassium: 600 mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by substituting the butter for a vegan butter or olive oil and omitting the croutons made with butter.

2. How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken the soup, reduce the amount of water you add during the cooking process. To thin it out, simply add more water or vegetable broth and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this zucchini soup freezes well. Simply let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

4. How can I make the croutons without a stove?
You can bake the croutons in the oven instead. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Tips on How to Make

• Use fresh vegetables: For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season vegetables.
• Adjust seasoning to your liking: This soup can be easily adjusted to fit your taste. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or stir in a dollop of cream for extra richness.
• Get creative with herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to customize the soup’s flavor.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup in portions for easy reheating. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This creamy zucchini soup with homemade croutons is the epitome of comfort food—light yet filling, fresh yet indulgent. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the method of cooking, allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine, creating a dish that feels nourishing and satisfying. The added crunch of the croutons and the freshness of the dill elevate the soup, turning it into a hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of day.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a starter for a special meal, or simply a healthy soup to enjoy during the colder months, this recipe delivers in both taste and nutrition. It’s a timeless dish that will remain a favorite in your kitchen for years to come, and its versatility makes it a staple for every season.