Make this simple, velvety zucchini soup quickly for a healthy weeknight dinner or light lunch. It uses basic ingredients and blends smoothly for a comforting texture.
Author:Carla Davis
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Lunch
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium zucchini, chopped (about 5 cups)
1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional, for extra creaminess)
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream (or use full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for cheesy flavor)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped zucchini, diced potato (if using), vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the zucchini and potato are very tender.
Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until completely smooth and velvety. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Stir in the heavy cream. If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
Heat gently for 2 more minutes, but do not boil after adding the cream. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot. This soup is a great alternative to complex meal planning when you need something fast.
Notes
For a vegan version, skip the optional cheese and use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened plant-based milk instead of heavy cream.
If you want a richer flavor, sauté 2 slices of chopped bacon before the onion, remove the bacon, and use 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat instead of olive oil. Crumble the cooked bacon over the finished soup.
This recipe is a good option if you are looking for low-calorie soup ideas that do not require a meal delivery service.