Dive into a bowl of comfort with our delightful Inas Zucchini Basil Soup! This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients that will have you feeling like a culinary maestro in your own kitchen. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a creamy, herb-infused soup that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in. Ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet elegant dish? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Zucchini (2 medium, chopped)
- Fresh basil (1 cup, chopped)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Vegetable broth (4 cups)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the zucchini and chopping into medium-sized cubes. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to brown the garlic to prevent bitterness.
- Add chopped zucchini to the pot and stir to combine with onions and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all vegetables are mostly covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste during the simmering process.
- Remove pot from heat and add most of the fresh chopped basil, reserving some for garnish. Allow to cool slightly.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach desired consistency.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with remaining fresh basil. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh zucchini and basil. Look for firm, bright green zucchinis and fragrant basil leaves.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Sauté the onions until they are truly translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Mind the Garlic: When adding garlic, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add more vegetable broth after blending to achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish! It adds a lovely aroma and visual appeal to your dish.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick and delicious meal later.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition and flavor.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this easy and delicious recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
