Creamy Courgette Soup
Looking for a quick and healthy meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious? This creamy courgette soup recipe is a perfect choice. Packed with the goodness of fresh vegetables and a touch of indulgence, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or a cozy lunch. Let’s dive into the details that make this recipe a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Courgette Soup
Healthy and Light: With just 96 calories per serving, this soup is perfect for those watching their calorie intake without compromising on flavor.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for anyone short on time.
Rich and Creamy: The addition of butter and cream cheese creates a luxurious texture without overwhelming the fresh taste of courgettes.
Customizable Ingredients: Add your favorite herbs or spices to suit your palate.
Ingredients Breakdown
Key Vegetables for Maximum Flavor
Onions: These add a sweet and savory base to the soup.
Garlic (Optional): If you love a little garlicky punch, this is your go-to ingredient.
Star of the Show: Courgettes
Courgettes, also known as zucchini, are the heart of this recipe. Their mild flavor and creamy texture when blended make them ideal for soups.
Liquid and Seasoning Essentials
Water and Vegetable Stock: The combination ensures a flavorful broth. You can use a stock cube or a homemade vegetable stock paste for a natural touch.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Butter and Cream Cheese: These add a smooth, rich finish.
Nutritional Benefits
This courgette soup is not just delicious but also nutritious:
Low-Calorie: With only 96 kcal per serving, it’s perfect for a light meal.
Rich in Fiber: The courgettes provide 2.1 g of fiber per serving, supporting digestion.
Balanced Macronutrients: The soup contains healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Pro Tips for the Best Courgette Soup
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh courgettes and onions make all the difference.
Blend to Perfection: For a silky texture, use a high-speed blender or an immersion blender.
Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the cream cheese amount to your preference.
Variations and Additions
Herbs and Spices: Try adding basil, parsley, or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
Toppings: Serve with croutons, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for added texture.
Make It Vegan: Substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives.
Simple Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
50 g onions, halved
1 garlic clove (optional)
700 g courgettes, cut into chunks
500 g water
1 vegetable stock cube (for 0.5 l) or 1 heaped tsp homemade vegetable stock paste
½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
1 pinch ground pepper (plus more to taste)
10 g butter
40 g cream cheese
Directions:
Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onions and courgettes into manageable pieces. Peel the garlic if using.
Cook the Base: In a large pot, combine the water, stock cube or paste, onions, garlic, and courgettes. Bring to a boil.
Simmer and Season: Lower the heat and let the vegetables simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Blend It Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
Finish with Butter and Cheese: Stir in the butter and cream cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Pour into bowls, garnish as desired, and enjoy hot.
