Description
Who needs cream anyway? This Creamy Zucchini Soup comes out crazy silky, smooth, and velvety without the cream. It's a healthy pureed soup with fresh zucchini and white beans for that sneaky richness, plus garlic, carrots, celery, and herbs. This vegan soup is somehow both light enough for lunch and filling enough for dinner. Seriously, even your most cheese-obsessed friend won’t miss the cream.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 (15 ounce) can white beans
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne red pepper powder (or less to taste)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (for serving)
- fresh herbs, finely chopped (for serving)
- croutons (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large stockpot or 6 quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté until tender, about 3-5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add zucchini, white beans, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and vegetable stock. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low and cover the lid. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup. You can also transfer the soup (in batches) to a blender to puree. (For a chunkier soup, use a potato masher or a fork to mash some of the zucchini cubes and beans).
- Top with a drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and croutons and serve immediately. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
How to store: Cool soup completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of stock if it’s too thick.
How to freeze: Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American