Zucchini Basil Soup (Printable Format)

Light soup blends zucchini, fresh basil, and lemon for a flavorful, refreshing dish best enjoyed warm.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Base Preparation

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Soup Assembly

04 - 24 ounces vegetable broth or chicken broth
05 - 1.5 pounds zucchini, cubed
06 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

→ Finishing Touch

08 - 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
09 - Juice of 1/2 small lemon

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and starting to brown. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
02 - Pour in broth, add cubed zucchini, salt, and black pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until zucchini are tender.
03 - Remove pot from heat, stir in fresh basil leaves and lemon juice.
04 - Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot, or work in batches using a standard blender until the texture is velvety smooth.
05 - Ladle soup into bowls. Add desired garnishes such as croutons, a spoonful of pesto, grated cheese, or a splash of cream. Serve warm as an appetizer or side.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - To preserve the soup’s vibrant green color, blend in the basil just before serving and avoid prolonged simmering after adding.