This zucchini recipe is so delicious, you’ll find yourself cooking it three times a week! It’s a perfect, light dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This dish combines the heartiness of potatoes, the sweetness of carrots, and the tender texture of zucchini, all simmered together to create a comforting soup. Paired with crispy bread and a flavorful tomato-garlic mixture, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Let’s dive into this recipe and explore how to make this delightful zucchini soup and its delicious accompaniments.
Ingredients
- 5-7 potatoes
- 1 onion
- Olive oil
- 1 carrot
- 2-3 zucchini
- 700 ml (2.5 cups) water
- Fresh parsley
- Bread for crispy snack
- 1-2 tomatoes
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and dice the potatoes into medium-sized cubes.
- Finely chop the onion.
- Peel and grate the carrot.
- Dice the zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the parsley finely.
- Cooking the Potatoes:
- Place the diced potatoes in a pot of boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes until they are partially cooked but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Carrot:
- In a large pot, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the grated carrot to the pot and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the carrot softens and releases its sweetness.
- Add the Zucchini and Potatoes:
- Add the diced zucchini to the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini should start to soften and blend with the other vegetables.
- Add the partially cooked potatoes to the pot and mix well with the zucchini, onion, and carrot.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour 700 ml (2.5 cups) of water into the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes over medium-low heat. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add Fresh Parsley:
- Five minutes before the soup is done, add the finely chopped parsley. This will add a fresh, herby flavor to the soup.
- Prepare the Crispy Bread:
- Slice the bread into thick pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the bread slices on both sides until they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Tomato-Garlic Mixture:
- Dice the tomatoes and place them in a bowl.
- Mince the garlic finely and add it to the tomatoes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to taste.
- Mix well and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Blend the Soup:
- Once the soup is done cooking, use a hand mixer to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can blend it until smooth or leave some chunks for texture.
- Serve the Soup:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Top each bowl with a spoonful of the tomato-garlic mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve with Crispy Bread:
- Serve the soup with the crispy fried bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping into the soup or enjoying on its own as a crunchy snack.
Cooking Tips
- Consistent Dicing: Make sure to dice the vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Blending: For a smoother soup, blend thoroughly with the hand mixer. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixer a few times instead of blending continuously.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley at the end preserves its flavor and color. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or dill.
- Bread: For an extra crispy snack, you can sprinkle some grated cheese on the bread slices before frying.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: A great source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, which are essential for immune function, heart health, and digestive health.
- Zucchini: Low in calories but rich in vitamins A and C, manganese, and antioxidants, which support eye health, skin health, and reduce inflammation.
- Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting vision and immune function.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, folate, and antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties and ability to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of sautéed onions, carrots, zucchini, and fresh parsley creates a soup that’s rich in flavor and comforting.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this soup is a nutritious choice for a light dinner.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible even for novice cooks.
- Versatile: The crispy bread and tomato-garlic mixture add texture and additional flavor, making this meal more satisfying.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the bread used for the crispy snack is gluten-free if you have gluten sensitivities.
- Vegetarian: This recipe is completely vegetarian, making it suitable for those who follow a vegetarian diet.
- Low-Calorie: A light yet filling meal that fits well into a balanced, low-calorie diet.
Why This Recipe Works
- Layered Flavors: Each step builds layers of flavor, from the sautéed onions and carrots to the simmered vegetables and fresh parsley.
- Texture Variety: The combination of smooth soup, crispy bread, and fresh tomato-garlic mixture provides a delightful contrast of textures.
- Nutrient-Rich: By using whole, fresh ingredients, this recipe maximizes the nutritional benefits of each component.
Conclusion
This new zucchini recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Its combination of hearty vegetables, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic and tomato makes it a delicious, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The crispy bread adds a delightful crunch, while the tomato-garlic mixture enhances the soup’s flavor profile. Best of all, it’s healthy, easy to make, and budget-friendly.
Advertisement
Whether you’re looking for a light dinner option or a comforting meal to warm you up, this zucchini soup recipe is an excellent choice. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again. Enjoy the flavors and the health benefits of this wonderful dish, and happy cooking!