Chilled Zucchini Walnut And Basil Soup Food

CHILLED ZUCCHINI, WALNUT, AND BASIL SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add thyme and garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in zucchini, salt, and pepper, reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is very soft, about 10 minutes. Add broth and simmer until zucchini is falling apart, about 20 minutes. Place half of the zucchini mixture and half of the walnuts in a food processor fitted with a blade and process until smooth, at least 2 minutes (use caution when blending hot liquids). Transfer to a medium bowl, then repeat with remaining soup. Set soup bowl into a large bowl of ice water, and set aside to cool, stirring occasionally until room temperature, about 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly, at least 1 hour. Meanwhile, blend or puree the basil, yogurt, and lemon juice together until smooth. (Soup can be made through this step up to 3 days ahead. Store soup and yogurt mixture separate and both covered in the refrigerator.) Just before serving, stir in yogurt mixture, taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve topped with chopped walnuts, a drizzle of olive oil, and a few torn basil leaves.

CHILLED ZUCCHINI-CUMIN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add cumin; stir until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Mix in zucchini. Add broth; bring soup to boil. Reduce heat; simmer until zucchini is very tender, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly.
• Mix 1/3 cup chopped basil into soup. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Transfer to bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Cover; chill until cold, about 3 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
• Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with 1 tablespoon yogurt and sliced basil.

ZUCCHINI AND BASIL SOUP

Steps:

• Sauté the onion in a large (preferably non-stick) pan over a gentle heat until softened but not browned; add the potatoes and cover and cook over a gentle heat.
• Cut the ends from the zucchinis and cut into thick slices; add to the pan and add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste and cook, covered, for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the vegetable stock and bring to the boil; simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes or until the zucchini is very tender.
• Stir in the basil and the garlic and simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and cool slightly; then blend the soup in a blender or food processor. An immersion blender is undoubtedly the easiest way to do this.
• Reheat the blended soup and stir in the lemon juice.
• Serve with a dollop of cream or Greek yoghurt and a sprinkling of finely chopped parsley, shredded basil or a thin slice of lime in each bowl.
• NOTES: If you don't like lemon, this can be omitted. I really recommend using Greek yoghurt rather than cream; it's just so deliciously creamy! When making this soup, I've used my Vegetable Stock Recipe #135453.