Courgette Soup (or Zucchini Soup, as it’s known in some places) is a light, refreshing, and healthy dish, perfect for a quick meal or a starter.

The delicate flavor of courgettes (zucchini) shines through in this smooth, creamy soup, which can be easily customized with herbs and spices to suit your taste. It’s a great way to use up any extra courgettes you have, especially in the summer when they’re in season.

Here’s a simple recipe for Courgette Soup:

Courgette Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

Courgettes (zucchini): 4 medium, chopped

Onion: 1 medium, chopped

Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Potato: 1 medium, peeled and diced (optional, for added creaminess)

Vegetable stock: 4 cups

Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Fresh basil or thyme: 1 teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor)

Salt and pepper: to taste

Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)

Cream or coconut cream: 1/4 cup (optional, for creaminess)

Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

 Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop the courgettes into chunks. Peel and dice the potato (if using), chop the onion, and mince the garlic.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Courgettes and Potato:

Add the chopped courgettes and diced potato to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to soften slightly.

Add the Stock and Herbs:

Pour in the vegetable stock and add any herbs (like thyme or basil) if using. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the courgettes and potato are tender.

Blend the Soup:

Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy, or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until the soup reaches your desired consistency.

Add Cream (Optional):

For a creamier texture, stir in some heavy cream or coconut cream. This step is optional, depending on how creamy you want your soup to be.

Season the Soup:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a light and satisfying meal.

Tips:

For extra flavor: Add a small amount of white wine or a splash of vinegar while cooking the onions to deepen the flavor.

Make it spicier: Add a pinch of chili flakes or some fresh chopped chili if you like a bit of heat in your soup.

Vegan version: Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream for a vegan version of the soup.

For a chunkier texture: If you prefer some texture in your soup, blend only part of the mixture and leave some pieces of courgette for a more rustic soup.

Courgette Soup is a simple, healthy, and refreshing dish that highlights the mild, tender flavor of courgettes. It’s a versatile base, easily adaptable with different herbs and spices, making it perfect for any season. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a slice of toasted bread for a complete meal!