Refreshing Chilled Zucchini-Mint Soup
This Refreshing Chilled Zucchini-Mint Soup is a delightful summer dish that combines the light, crisp flavor of zucchini with the aromatic freshness of mint. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The creamy texture from the yogurt adds a pleasant richness, making it a satisfying yet healthy option. Enjoy it chilled on a hot day, and you'll find yourself reaching for seconds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
zucchini
1 1/4 lbs (sliced thin)
water
3 cups (none)
plain yogurt
3/4 cup (whisked until smooth)
fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup (washed well, spun dry, and chopped fine)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat until hot but not smoking.
2
Sauté one-third of the sliced zucchini for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden.
3
Add the remaining zucchini along with the water and bring to a simmer. Cook until the zucchini is very tender, approximately 15 minutes.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
5
In batches, transfer the cooled mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the puréed soup into a bowl.
6
Stir in the whisked yogurt, chopped mint, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the soup for at least 6 hours or up to 1 day. Note that the flavor is best within the first day.
8
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Chilled Zucchini-Mint Soup?
It is a delightful summer dish that combines the light, crisp flavor of zucchini with the aromatic freshness of mint, served chilled for a refreshing experience.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this zucchini soup vegetarian?
Yes, this soup is vegetarian as it uses vegetable-based ingredients and yogurt.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The 5 main ingredients are extra virgin olive oil, zucchini, water, plain yogurt, and fresh mint leaves.
How do I prepare the zucchini for this soup?
The zucchini should be sliced thin before you begin cooking.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the first step in cooking the soup?
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat until it is hot but not smoking.
Do I sauté all the zucchini at once?
No, you should sauté only one-third of the sliced zucchini initially for about 5-7 minutes until golden.
How long does the zucchini need to simmer?
After adding the water and remaining zucchini, let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes until very tender.
How do I achieve a smooth texture for the soup?
Transfer the cooled zucchini mixture to a blender in batches and puree until smooth.
When do I add the yogurt?
Stir in the whisked yogurt after the soup has been pureed and poured into a bowl.
How should the yogurt be prepared before adding it?
The 3/4 cup of plain yogurt should be whisked until it is smooth.
When is the fresh mint added?
The chopped mint is stirred in at the same time as the yogurt, after pureeing.
How do I prepare the fresh mint leaves?
The mint leaves should be washed well, spun dry, and then chopped fine.
How long must the soup be refrigerated?
The soup needs to be refrigerated for at least 6 hours before serving.
Can I make this soup a day in advance?
Yes, you can make it up to 1 day ahead, which is when the flavor is at its best.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup is designed to be served chilled.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
While the recipe calls for plain yogurt, Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker, tangier result.
How much water is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of water.
What seasonings are used?
The soup is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this soup considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is a healthy, low-fat dish featuring fresh vegetables and yogurt.
Can I use dried mint if I don't have fresh?
Fresh mint is highly recommended for the best flavor, but dried mint can be used in a smaller quantity as a substitute.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, the recipe specifies thin slicing, and the skin provides the soup with its beautiful green color.
What category of food does this fall under?
It is categorized as a Vegetable soup.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
A blender is preferred for a smooth puree, but a food processor will work if you don't mind a slightly coarser texture.
What is the texture of the soup like?
The soup has a creamy and smooth texture thanks to the pureed zucchini and yogurt.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What is the best time of year to serve this?
This chilled soup is an ideal dish for hot summer days.
Can I substitute water with broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of water for extra depth of flavor.
How should I adjust the seasoning before serving?
Always taste the soup after chilling and add more salt or pepper if the cold temperature has muted the flavors.