I have had quite the crop of Romanesco zucchini this year (the light green speckled ones), so I decided to make the soup with those instead of the yellow ones that I normally use…hey if you grow zucchini you will understand what I mean! A delicate tasting soup that would be a lovely first course or served as a main course with some bread or biscuits and cheeses or whatever else takes your fancy!
Makes Approximately 6 Servings
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 ½ lbs. yellow zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 cup finely chopped carrots
2 ½ cups chicken stock** + more for thinning if needed
1 tsp. salt, or to taste
White pepper to taste
Dry white wine or lemon juice
1 cup creamo/half & half (I use homogenized milk)
Garnish:
(Opt.) 1/3 cup whipped cream, lightly whipped
Fresh basil leaves, cut into fine shreds
Melt the butter in a heavy pot over low heat; add the onions, cover & cook until limp but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add the zucchini & carrots & stir to coat with the butter. Cover & cook without stirring 10 – 15 minutes or until soft. Add the chicken broth to the pot & bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer & cook for about 15 minutes more or until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Let the soup cool for at least ½ an hour; then place into the blender & puree until smooth. **Do not try & blend the soup while it is still hot.
Wipe out the pot and return the soup to the pot. Heat until hot; add the creamo or milk; season with salt & pepper. If the soup is a bit on the sweet side add a couple of tablespoons of wine or lemon juice or more to taste. When the soup is hot, place into serving bowls & garnish with a bit of the whipped cream (if using) & top with the fresh basil shreds.
**To see about blending hot liquids, please go to Phyllis’ Kitchen/Cooking Tips.
**If you would like to make your own stock, please see How to Make Stock.
