Zucchini soup

Zucchini soup – a light and refreshing delicacy, perfect for hot summer days! This recipe is an excellent example of a healthy dish, packed with vitamins and minerals that will delight your taste buds. Zucchini soup can be enjoyed both hot and cold, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 2 medium zucchinis (approximately 500g)
- 1 green onion
- 1 medium tomato (approximately 150g)
- 1/2 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- 1 liter of fermented milk (sour milk)
- 2 tablespoons of roasted red pepper paste (for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili pepper, for a spicy kick

Preparing Zucchini Soup

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

The first step is to ensure we have all the ingredients ready. Peel the zucchinis and cut them lengthwise, removing the seeds. Then, grate the zucchini flesh using a large-holed grater. This process will not only add texture to the soup but will also help with even cooking.

The green onion is cleaned and sliced diagonally, while the tomato and bell pepper are diced. It is important that the vegetables are cut evenly so they cook at the same time.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables

In a large pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced green onion and diced bell pepper and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. This will help the onion become translucent and release its aroma.

Once the onion is slightly soft, add the diced tomato and roasted red pepper paste. Mix well and let the vegetables cook together for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Cooking the soup

Now add the grated zucchinis to the pot. It’s time to pour in enough water to cover the vegetables by about four fingers. If you have whey (a dairy product rich in probiotics), feel free to replace half of the water with whey. This trick will add a unique flavor and enhance the nutritional benefits of the soup.

Add a few sprigs of fresh dill, which will provide a delicious aroma to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Adding the fermented milk

After the vegetables have boiled, prepare the fermented milk. In a jar, mix the fermented milk with a spoon. Then, take a ladle of hot soup and gradually add it to the jar, stirring constantly. This step will prevent the milk from curdling when added to the soup.

Once you’ve homogenized the milk, pour it into the pot and mix well. Turn off the heat and sprinkle some chopped fresh dill on top.

Step 5: Serving the soup

Zucchini soup can be served hot or cold. If you want to enjoy it cold, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. It is especially refreshing on warm days!

For an extra flavor boost, add a tablespoon of sour cream before serving, and for those who love spice, don’t forget the chili pepper.

Useful tips

1. Ingredient variations: You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to diversify the soup’s flavor.
2. Serving: This soup goes wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons.
3. Storage: If you want to keep the soup longer, make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
4. Nutritional benefits: Zucchinis are rich in water and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet. They are also a good source of fiber, vitamins (A and C), and minerals.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the soup be frozen?
- While the soup can be frozen, adding the fermented milk after thawing may affect the texture. It is recommended to add fresh milk before serving.

2. Can I use frozen zucchinis?
- Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

3. What other spices can I add?
- You can experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to add a different flavor.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious zucchini soup, all that’s left is to get cooking! It’s a simple, quick recipe full of flavor that will bring a touch of freshness to your kitchen. Enjoy!