B4U Recipes - Zucchini and Basil Soup

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Zucchini and Basil Soup

2 large onions or yellow onions, finely chopped (Americans) or brown onions, finely chopped (Australians)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
750 g zucchini
salt, to taste
6 cups vegetable stock (see notes)
1 cup basil leaves, shredded and loosely packed
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup cream or Greek yogurt
chopped parsley or shredded basil or thin slices limes, to serve

Directions ::..

A quick-to-prepare, low fat, inexpensive and yummy soup, adapted from a recipe I found in the Australian magazine ‘New Idea’. Not sure exactly when, but I think from 2005; it’s one I cut out of the magazine some time ago, and have made several times since then. Like most soup recipes, it’s extremely verasatile: you can add other vegetables that you have on hand that need to be used. I’ve added baby spinach leaves that needed to be used, and on one occasion, I added a packet of lentils. If you add other vegetables, you will probably need to add more stock. BTW, 750g = 1� pounds.

1. Saut� the onion in a large (preferably non-stick) pan over a gentle heat until softened but not browned; add the potatoes and cover and cook over a gentle heat.

2. Cut the ends from the zucchinis and cut into thick slices; add to the pan and add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste and cook, covered, for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the vegetable stock and bring to the boil; simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes or until the zucchini is very tender.

4. Stir in the basil and the garlic and simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Remove from the heat and cool slightly; then blend the soup in a blender or food processor. An immersion blender is undoubtedly the easiest way to do this.

6. Reheat the blended soup and stir in the lemon juice.

7. Serve with a dollop of cream or Greek yoghurt and a sprinkling of finely chopped parsley, shredded basil or a thin slice of lime in each bowl.

8. NOTES: If you don’t like lemon, this can be omitted. I really recommend using Greek yoghurt rather than cream; it’s just so deliciously creamy! When making this soup, I’ve used my Vegetable Stock Recipe #135453.