Transform nearly a kilogram of zucchini into the most incredible creamy soup you’ve ever tasted! This velvety, golden masterpiece is so delicious that you won’t even detect the zucchini flavor, yet it’s packed with vegetables and nutrients. The secret lies in the perfect combination of sautéed aromatics, rich cream, and optional cheese that creates a restaurant-quality soup your family will beg you to make every other day.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 800-900g (1.8-2 lbs) fresh zucchini, cubed
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1-1.5L (4-6 cups) water
- 500ml (2 cups) heavy cream or milk + butter
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 150g (5 oz) hard cheese, grated (optional)
For the Homemade Croutons:
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried herbs
- ½ tsp pepper mix
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Clean and prepare all vegetables. Dice onions into small cubes, chop carrots into small pieces, cube potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and cut zucchini into slightly larger cubes (they cook faster than potatoes).
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Remaining Vegetables
Add diced carrots to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add cubed potatoes and zucchini, stirring to combine with the aromatic base.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Pour in enough water to completely cover all vegetables (about 1-1.5 liters). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes until all vegetables are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Make the Croutons
While soup simmers, preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Cut bread into small cubes and place in a large bowl. Drizzle with vegetable oil and season with paprika, salt, dried herbs, and pepper mix. Toss until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown, stirring once halfway through.
Step 6: Add Cream and Seasonings
Once vegetables are tender, add 500ml heavy cream to the pot. Season with turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil and remove from heat immediately.
Step 7: Blend to Perfection
Using an immersion blender, blend the entire soup until completely smooth and creamy. For an even silkier texture, blend in batches using a regular blender, then return to pot.
Step 8: Optional Cheese Enhancement
For extra richness, stir in 150g grated hard cheese while soup is still hot, allowing it to melt completely. Blend again briefly if desired for ultimate smoothness.
Time and Serving Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 portions
- Calories per serving: Approximately 220 calories (without cheese)
Nutritional Benefits
Hidden Vegetable Nutrition: This soup provides nearly a full kilogram of zucchini per batch, delivering potassium, vitamin C, and folate while tasting like pure comfort food.
Heart-Healthy Potassium: Zucchini and potatoes provide significant potassium levels that support cardiovascular health and help regulate blood pressure naturally.
Immune-Supporting Vitamins: The combination of carrots (beta-carotene), onions (quercetin), and garlic (allicin) creates a powerful immune-boosting blend.
Digestive Health Support: The high fiber content from multiple vegetables promotes healthy digestion while the smooth texture makes nutrients easily absorbable.
Calcium and Protein Boost: When made with cream and optional cheese, this soup provides calcium for bone health and protein for muscle maintenance.
Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric: The golden color comes from turmeric, which contains curcumin compounds known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Low-Calorie Satisfaction: Despite its rich, creamy taste, this soup is surprisingly low in calories while providing lasting satiety and nutritional density.
This magical soup proves that healthy eating doesn’t require sacrifice. The incredible creamy texture and rich flavor make it impossible to believe you’re consuming nearly a kilogram of vegetables per batch, making it the perfect way to boost your family’s vegetable intake while enjoying pure comfort food bliss.