Creamy Yellow Summer Squash Soup
This delightful Creamy Yellow Summer Squash Soup, inspired by a beloved recipe from The Classic Zucchini Cookbook, has been enhanced with a few minor additions to elevate its flavor profile while maintaining its simplicity and elegance. Perfect for a quick and easy beginning to an elegant dinner, this soup serves as a light yet satisfying starter that is both nutritious and delicious.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Vegetable
- Servings: 4
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 178.8 |
| Total Fat | 8.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 18.3 mg |
| Sodium | 168.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugars | 8.2 g |
| Protein | 8.9 g |
Ingredients
To prepare this creamy and comforting soup, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Leeks | 4, chopped |
| Reduced-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Low-fat milk | 4 cups |
| 2% low-fat milk | 1 cup |
| Poultry seasoning | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create a smooth and flavorful soup that will impress your guests:
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Melt the Butter: In a medium-sized saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter until it is fully liquid and begins to bubble slightly. This initial step will create a rich base for your soup.
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Sauté the Leeks: Once the butter is melted, add the chopped leeks to the saucepan. Sauté the leeks for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and translucent. The sweet aroma of the leeks will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the delicious flavors to come.
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Add the Broth and Squash: Pour in 1 cup of the reduced-sodium chicken broth, followed by the diced yellow summer squash. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer until the squash is just tender, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
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Puree the Mixture: Carefully transfer the squash mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, taking care not to overfill the blender to prevent splattering. If necessary, do this in batches to ensure a fine puree.
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Return to the Saucepan: Once the mixture is pureed, return it to the saucepan. Add the remaining chicken broth and the low-fat milk, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
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Season and Heat Through: Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently heat the soup over low heat until it is warmed through, being careful not to boil it again to maintain its creamy texture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the creamy yellow summer squash soup into bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy this comforting dish as a prelude to your elegant dinner.
Final Thoughts
With its vibrant color and rich flavor, this Creamy Yellow Summer Squash Soup is not just a quick dish; it’s a heartfelt addition to any meal. The balance of ingredients creates a comforting experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression, making it a wonderful choice for family gatherings or special occasions. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful soup that embodies the essence of summer.
