Creamy Yellow Summer Squash and Onion Soup
This creamy Yellow Summer Squash and Onion Soup is a delightful blend of fresh summer vegetables, offering a flavorful and comforting bowl of goodness. The natural sweetness of the summer squash pairs beautifully with the aromatic Spanish onion, while a splash of cream adds a velvety finish. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, this soup can be enjoyed hot during cozy evenings or served chilled for a refreshing summer appetizer. Garnish with fresh herbs like chervil or parsley to elevate the flavor and presentation.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spanish onion
1 large (coarsely chopped)
summer squash
2 lbs (stem cut off and coarsely chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
chicken broth
1 (10.5 ounce) can (or homemade)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
cream or half-and-half
3/4 cup (can adjust to preference)
chervil or parsley
for garnish (fresh, if desired)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the coarsely chopped summer squash to the pot and stir to combine with the onion. Pour in enough chicken broth to reach about two-thirds up the vegetables (do not cover the squash completely).
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes or until the squash is tender.
4
Remove from heat and allow the soup to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender or food processor in batches, blending until smooth.
5
Return the blended soup to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6
Gradually stir in the cream or half-and-half, adjusting the amount based on your desired creaminess.
7
If desired, add chopped fresh chervil or parsley to enhance the flavor and presentation.
8
Serve the soup hot for a cozy meal or let it cool completely to enjoy as a refreshing chilled appetizer. Garnish with additional herbs if you like.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Creamy Yellow Summer Squash and Onion Soup?
The soup is a delightful blend of fresh summer vegetables, offering a flavorful and comforting bowl where the natural sweetness of summer squash pairs with aromatic Spanish onion and a velvety cream finish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of onion is recommended for this soup?
A large Spanish onion, coarsely chopped, is recommended.
How much summer squash is needed?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of summer squash with the stems cut off and coarsely chopped.
What kind of butter should be used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions over medium heat until they become translucent, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need one 10.5 ounce can of chicken broth or an equivalent amount of homemade broth.
Should the broth completely cover the vegetables in the pot?
No, you should pour in enough broth to reach about two-thirds up the vegetables without covering the squash completely.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the squash is finished cooking?
The squash is ready when it has become tender.
Is it safe to blend the soup immediately after cooking?
It is recommended to remove the soup from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to a blender or food processor.
What equipment can I use to achieve a smooth texture?
You can use either a blender or a food processor, blending in batches if necessary.
When should I add salt and pepper to the soup?
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after it has been blended and returned to the pot.
How much cream should be added?
The recipe suggests 3/4 cup of cream or half-and-half, but you can adjust this amount based on your desired creaminess.
What are the suggested garnishes for this soup?
Fresh herbs such as chervil or parsley are recommended for garnish to elevate flavor and presentation.
Can this soup be served cold?
Yes, it can be cooled completely and served as a refreshing chilled appetizer.
Is this soup suitable as a main meal?
Yes, it is perfect as a light meal or a comforting appetizer.
How do I prepare the summer squash?
Cut off the stems and coarsely chop the squash into pieces.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that half-and-half can be used as an alternative.
What heat setting should be used for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and focuses on fresh vegetable ingredients.
How do I incorporate the cream into the soup?
Gradually stir the cream into the blended soup after it has been returned to the pot.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth, you can easily make this soup vegetarian.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable dishes.
Is the soup simmered with a lid on?
No, the instructions state to let it simmer uncovered.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Can I use frozen squash for this recipe?
While fresh summer squash is recommended for the best flavor, frozen squash could be used if fresh is unavailable.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include soup, summer squash, vegetable soup, creamy soup, onion soup, easy recipe, healthy recipe, comfort food, and summer recipe.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information like calories or fat?
The current recipe data does not specify the exact calorie, fat, carbohydrate, or protein counts.