Description
A vibrant, elegant, and refreshing chilled soup that captures the essence of summer harvest. Silky and bright green, this refined dish blends fresh zucchini, aromatic leeks, and garden-fresh herbs to create a light yet satisfying meal perfect for warm weather gatherings. It relies on high-quality vegetable broth and fresh produce rather than heavy creams, ensuring a clean and uplifting flavor profile that feels like sophisticated restaurant fare.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, trimmed and thinly sliced
5 small shallots, thinly sliced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
5 fresh lemon thyme sprigs
6 cups good-quality vegetable broth
4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 cups packed baby spinach
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
4 small hakurei turnips, thinly sliced (for garnish)
3/4 cup thinly sliced summer squash (for garnish)
Lemon juice, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil (for finishing)
Instructions
Prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl before you begin cooking.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion, leek, and shallots until softened.
Add minced garlic and lemon thyme sprigs, cooking until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
Add sliced zucchini and salt, cooking until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the spinach, parsley, and basil; cook for 1 minute until wilted.
Immediately transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to process until perfectly smooth.
Place the pot or blender container into your prepared ice bath to cool the soup rapidly, maintaining its bright green color.
Once chilled, taste and adjust with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Serve in bowls garnished with thinly sliced turnips and summer squash, then drizzle with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil.
Notes
Ensure you seed the zucchini to keep the texture of the soup silky smooth. The ice bath is crucial for locking in the vibrant neon-green color. This soup can be made one day in advance and kept in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld further. Serve in pre-chilled bowls for the best experience.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
