Zucchini soup

Zucchini soup is a dish that brings a touch of freshness and vitality on hot days, but it can also be enjoyed in the cold season. It is an easy-to-prepare soup, full of flavors and nutrients, ideal for a Lenten lunch or a light dinner. This recipe is versatile, and the Lenten version can be adapted according to preferences. Let's begin the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients for Lenten Version 1
- 2 large zucchinis
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 celery (root)
- 1 onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- Green onion leaves
- Celery leaves
- Fresh parsley
- Dill
- Borscht or sour plum juice for souring
- 500 g tomatoes (1/2 diced and the rest as tomato juice)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste

Ingredients for Version 2 (with yogurt)
- Everything mentioned above, plus:
- 300 g fatty yogurt or buttermilk
- 2-3 eggs

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables. Peel the zucchinis, carrot, parsnip, and parsley root. Cut the zucchinis into cubes, and the other vegetables into rounds or cubes, according to preference. Chop the onion finely, and remove the seeds from the bell peppers, cutting them into cubes.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the red and green bell peppers, continuing to sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Adding the root vegetables
Now, add the carrot, parsnip, and parsley root. Sauté them together with the onion and bell peppers for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cooking the zucchinis
Add the zucchini cubes and mix well. Allow them to combine for a few minutes, then pour in enough water to cover the vegetables (about 2 liters). Bring to a boil.

Step 5: Adding the tomatoes
Once the water begins to boil, add the diced tomatoes and tomato juice. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked and tender.

Step 6: Souring and seasoning
When the vegetables are cooked, add the borscht or sour plum juice to sour the soup, then adjust the salt. Finally, add the fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and celery leaves) and sweet paprika if you want an extra flavor. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes.

Version 2: Soup with yogurt
To prepare the yogurt version, let the soup cool slightly. In a bowl, beat the yogurt or buttermilk with the eggs. Gradually add a ladle of soup to the yogurt mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Once the mixture is at the same temperature as the soup, pour it into the pot.

Serving
This soup can be served hot or cold, depending on your preferences. A delicious suggestion would be to accompany it with toasted bread croutons or a fresh green salad. You can add a few drops of olive oil at serving for an intensified flavor.

Brief history
Zucchini soup is a dish that has evolved over the centuries, being appreciated for its ease of preparation and comforting taste. It is often associated with the summer season when fresh vegetables are abundantly available, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. It is a recipe that reflects the philosophy of seasonal cooking and the consumption of simple yet nutritious ingredients.

Nutritional benefits
This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, with a low calorie content (approximately 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the chosen version). Zucchinis are an excellent source of fiber, contributing to digestive health. Additionally, the vegetables used are rich in antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions
Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can add other vegetables such as potatoes or peas, depending on your preferences.
Can zucchini soup be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to set aside the addition of yogurt or sour cream until thawing to avoid curdling.
How can I enhance the flavor? You can add spices like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.

Possible variations
To enrich the soup, you can experiment with different types of herbs or add green beans or peas. You can also turn it into a cream soup by blending the cooked vegetables and adding cream or yogurt for a creamy texture.

Serving suggestions
This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread or a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. A glass of lemonade or iced mint tea can perfectly complement the meal.

So now that you have all the necessary information, take your time to enjoy the cooking process and savor every spoonful of this delicious zucchini soup! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Variant 12 large zucchini 1 carrot 1 parsnip 1 parsley 1 lovage 1 onion 1 celery 1 red bell pepper 1 green bell pepper green onion leaves celery leaves parsley dill borscht or sour cherry juice for sourness 500 g tomatoes, 1/2 diced and the rest tomato juice