Zucchini soup with sour cherries

Zucchini soup with greengages - a delicious and refreshing recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to our kitchen! Today we will venture into a recipe that combines the flavor of fresh vegetables with the subtle sweetness of greengages: zucchini soup with greengages. This soup is perfect for hot summer days, but can be enjoyed anytime, bringing a touch of freshness to every bowl. Besides its refined taste, zucchini soup with greengages is a healthy choice, full of nutrients.

Recipe history
Soup, in general, is a traditional dish found in many cultures, often associated with moments of conviviality and family joy. Zucchini soup with greengages is a less common combination, but it surprises with the balance between the flavors of the vegetables and the sweetness of the fruits. Greengages, a seasonal fruit, add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast, turning a simple recipe into a memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 3-4 green onions
- 1 large carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 1 small celery
- 1 colorful bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for a vibrant look)
- 2 tablespoons of rice
- 2-3 liters of meat broth (or water, for a vegetarian version)
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 200-300 g of greengages
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil

For serving (optional):
- Yogurt or sour milk
- Chopped green dill leaves

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Wash them well under a stream of cold water and dry them with a kitchen towel. Cut the carrot, celery, parsley, and bell pepper into small cubes. The green onions will be sliced into rounds, including the green leaves, which will add a pleasant aroma to the soup. The zucchinis will be cut into cubes to be added at the end.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and place it over medium heat. Add the carrot and sauté until it changes color and becomes shiny, about 3-4 minutes. This will add a beautiful hue to your soup. Then add the rest of the vegetables (except the zucchini) and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. It is important to keep the vegetables crunchy, do not leave them on the heat too long.

Step 3: Adding the broth
After the vegetables have developed a pleasant aroma, pour the meat broth (or water) into the pot, ensuring that all the ingredients are covered. Let it come to a boil. If you notice that the soup is too concentrated, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 4: Cooking the greengages
In the meantime, wash the greengages and boil them in a small pot, covered with water. Let them simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. After boiling, strain them and let them cool. Once cooled, remove the skin and pits, then mash them lightly through a sieve.

Step 5: Completing the soup
Add the well-washed rice to the soup, along with the chopped fresh dill. Let it boil for a few moments, then add the zucchini cubes. Let them boil for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender but still crunchy.

Step 6: Finishing the soup
Now it’s time to add the greengage puree to the soup. Stir well to homogenize the mixture and let it boil for another 2-3 moments to combine the flavors. Finally, adjust the taste with salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 7: Serving
Zucchini soup with greengages can be served both hot and cold, according to your taste. A wonderful idea is to add a spoonful of yogurt or sour milk on top of each bowl, to give it a creamy and refreshing note. Sprinkle chopped green dill leaves for a fresh look and intensified aroma.

Tips and useful advice
- If you don’t have greengages, you can substitute with plums or apricots for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a more tangy taste that will balance the sweetness of the greengages.
- This soup is an excellent choice for a healthy meal, being low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional benefits
Zucchini is high in water and low in calories, making it ideal for diets. Greengages are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to strengthening the immune system. This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious, having a positive impact on your health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! The soup is very versatile, so you can add pumpkin, green beans, or even potatoes, depending on your preferences.

2. How long does the soup last?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it over low heat before serving.

3. Is the soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, if you use water instead of meat broth, the soup becomes completely vegetarian.

I hope you enjoy this zucchini soup with greengages as much as I enjoy preparing it. It’s a wonderful way to use fresh seasonal vegetables and add a touch of creativity to your plate. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 pieces of zucchini, 3-4 green onions, 1 carrot, 1 parsley root, 1 small celery, colored bell pepper, 2 tablespoons of rice, 2-3 liters of meat broth, 2-3 tomatoes, fresh dill, 200-300 g of sour cherries, salt and pepper.