Zucchini Roquefort Soup 🥣
Introduction:
This Zucchini Roquefort Soup recipe is a delightful choice for kicking off an Italian-inspired dinner or enjoying as a light and savory lunch. Originally sourced from an inn nestled in the British Virgin Islands, this rendition has been tailored with the wholesome richness of olive oil. However, if you fancy the traditional touch, feel free to opt for butter in its place. 🌿
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 5 cups of soup
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Cheese, Onions, Vegetable, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Savory, Weeknight, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
- Rating: 4 ⭐️
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 tbsp | Olive oil |
1 | Onion |
3/4 tsp | Fresh thyme |
1/4 tsp | Dried thyme |
4 tbsp | Flour |
1/2 cup | Canned chicken broth |
1 1/2 cups | Zucchini |
To taste | Roquefort cheese |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 184.3
- Total Fat: 10.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 13.4mg
- Sodium: 433.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.7g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 4.4g
- Protein: 8g
Recipe Instructions:
-
Sauté Onions:
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over moderate heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally. This should take around 5-7 minutes. 🧅
-
Infuse with Thyme:
- Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and dried thyme, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes. The aromatic herbs will fill your kitchen with a delightful fragrance. 🌿
-
Add Flour for Thickness:
- Sprinkle the flour into the saucepan, stirring continuously to create a roux. Let it cook for about 3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. The mixture should turn a light golden color and have a nutty aroma. 🌾
-
Introduce Chicken Broth:
- Gradually pour in the canned chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This gradual addition helps create a smooth and velvety soup base. 🍗
-
Simmer with Zucchini:
- Toss in the sliced zucchini, allowing the soup to come to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid, leaving a slight vent for steam to escape. Let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender. 🥒
-
Blend to Smoothness:
- Once the zucchini is tender, remove the soup from heat. Using a blender, puree the soup in batches until silky smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids in the blender—blend in batches and vent the blender cap slightly to avoid pressure build-up. 🌪️
-
Incorporate Roquefort:
- Return the pureed soup to the saucepan, reheating gently over medium heat. Stir in the crumbled Roquefort cheese, allowing it to melt and infuse its tangy richness into the soup. 🧀
-
Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Roquefort cheese or a sprig of fresh thyme for a beautiful finish. 🥄
-
Enjoy!:
- Serve this Zucchini Roquefort Soup piping hot alongside a crusty baguette or a simple green salad. Each spoonful is a comforting blend of creamy textures and savory flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting meal on a chilly evening. 🥖🥗
Notes and Tips:
- Butter Substitution: If you prefer the classic richness of butter, feel free to substitute it for olive oil in equal amounts. Both options lend their own distinct flavors to the soup.
- Soup Texture: For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow the liquid to reduce slightly before blending. If a thinner consistency is preferred, adjust the amount of chicken broth accordingly.
- Storage: This soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to deepen. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Customization: Get creative with your garnishes! A drizzle of balsamic reduction, a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can elevate this soup to new heights of deliciousness. 🌟
This Zucchini Roquefort Soup is a true celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in a bowl of comfort and flavor. With its creamy texture and the delightful tang of Roquefort cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant starter for a special occasion, this soup promises warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Bon appétit! 🍲✨