Soupe de courgettes

Soupe de courgettes (zucchini soup) is a light and versatile dish that showcases the subtle flavor of zucchini. It's easy to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Here’s a simple recipe for a creamy zucchini soup:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized zucchinis (courgettes), chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
• 1 medium potato, peeled and chopped (optional, for added creaminess)
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs (like parsley, basil, or thyme), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or lemon juice for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Wash and chop the zucchinis.
   • Peel and chop the potato if using.
   • Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

   • Add the chopped zucchinis and potato (if using) to the pot.
   • Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes.

4. Add Broth:

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchinis and potatoes are tender.

5. Blend the Soup:

   • Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.

6. Finish the Soup:

   • Return the soup to the pot if you used a blender.
   • Stir in the heavy cream or crème fraîche if using.
   • Add fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of lemon juice.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a swirl of cream if desired.

This soupe de courgettes is light and flavorful, making it perfect as a starter or a light main course. Enjoy!