Green bean soup with zucchini spread
Green Bean Soup with Zucchini Zacusca
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Who doesn't love a warm, flavorful soup? Green bean soup with zucchini zacusca is a delicious recipe that combines the fresh taste of vegetables with the richness of flavors from zacusca. This recipe is perfect for those days when we seek comfort on our plate, but also for those moments when we want to impress friends and family with a tasty and healthy dish.
Basic ingredients:
- 500 g frozen green beans
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 large onion
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato juice
- 1 small jar of zucchini zacusca (approximately 250 g)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of dried parsley
- Salt to taste
- Boiled water (enough to cover the ingredients)
Recipe story:
Green bean soup with zucchini zacusca is a traditional recipe loved by many of us. Zacusca, this delicious vegetable preparation, was created to preserve the rich harvests of summer and bring them to the plate throughout the year. The combination of fresh vegetables with zacusca creates a symphony of flavors that will keep you coming back to this recipe.
Preparing the ingredients:
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Peel the onion and carrot, then wash them well. Chop the onion finely, and grate the carrot on a large grater. These two vegetables will form the aromatic base of your soup. The frozen green beans are already cleaned, but you can also use fresh beans if available.
Step by step - Cooking the soup:
1. Heat the oil: In a large pot, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Olive oil adds extra flavor, but sunflower oil is an excellent choice for a neutral base.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion and carrot to the pot. Sauté them for 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and takes on a golden hue. This essential step will add a deep flavor to your soup.
3. Add the beans: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the frozen green beans. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Add water: Pour enough boiled water to cover the beans. The heat should be medium to allow the ingredients to cook evenly.
5. Patience and flavor: Let the soup boil for 15 minutes. During this time, the flavors will combine, and the beans will become tender.
6. Enrich with zacusca: After 15 minutes, add the 2 tablespoons of tomato juice and the jar of zucchini zacusca. Mix well and let it boil for another 10-15 minutes. The zacusca will add a note of sweetness and complexity to the soup.
7. Finishing touches: In the last minutes of cooking, crush the garlic cloves and add them to the pot, along with the dried parsley. The garlic will give an unmistakable flavor to the soup. Taste and add salt to preference.
Serving suggestions:
Green bean soup with zucchini zacusca can be served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A spoonful of sour cream on top will add a note of creaminess, and a splash of lemon juice can highlight the flavors.
Variations and tips:
- You can add other seasonal vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the taste.
- If you like spicy food, add a little dried or fresh chili pepper.
- Replace the zucchini zacusca with eggplant zacusca for a different flavor.
- The soup can be easily frozen, so don’t hesitate to prepare a larger quantity for busy days.
Nutritional benefits:
Green beans are rich in vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (magnesium, potassium), low in calories, and an excellent source of fiber. They contribute to good digestion and help maintain a healthy weight. Zacusca adds a boost of antioxidants due to the slowly cooked vegetables, and garlic is known for its beneficial properties for the immune system.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh green beans? Yes, if you have fresh green beans, make sure to clean and chop them well before adding. The cooking time will be slightly reduced.
- What other recipes can I try with zacusca? Zacusca is wonderful in pasta, as a filling for pastries, or as a side dish for grilled meats.
- Can I make the soup vegetarian? This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add plant-based proteins, such as chickpeas, for an extra nutritional boost.
Green bean soup with zucchini zacusca is a perfect choice for any meal, bringing together delicious flavors and nutritional benefits. So, get ready to enjoy a warm and savory serving! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 500 g frozen green beans, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 2 tablespoons of tomato juice, 1 small jar of zucchini spread, 2 heads of garlic, dried parsley, oil, salt
