Looking for a refreshing dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? Dive into the vibrant world of Middle Eastern cuisine with this Cold Zucchini Tahini Soup! Perfect for warm days or as a light appetizer, this creamy soup combines the earthy flavors of zucchini with the rich, nutty goodness of tahini. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of this delightful dish that will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on this culinary gem that’s as easy to make as it is impressive!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the zucchinis and onion into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In a medium-sized pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the chopped zucchinis to the pot. Stir them into the onion and garlic mixture, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the zucchinis are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for a few minutes. This will make it safer to blend.
- Transfer the cooled zucchini mixture to a blender. Add the tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. If you prefer a colder soup, you can refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
- To serve, ladle the cold zucchini tahini soup into bowls. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for added flavor and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your zucchinis and onions in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, making the process even quicker!
- Sauté to Perfection: When sautéing the onions and garlic, keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The goal is to achieve a fragrant, golden-brown color that enhances the flavor of the soup.
- Blend Smoothly: For an ultra-creamy texture, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending. This not only makes it safer to handle but also helps in achieving a velvety consistency.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, don’t hesitate to add more vegetable broth or water during blending. You can always adjust the thickness to suit your taste!
- Chill for Flavor: For a truly refreshing experience, refrigerate the blended soup for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully, and you’ll enjoy a cooler dish.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or mint, or a sprinkle of paprika. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds an extra touch of luxury.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg