Experience a refreshing taste of summer with this spicy zucchini soup. This simple, yet flavorful soup is a perfect blend of fresh zucchini, fragrant herbs, and a kick of spiciness from jalapeno. It's a great way to utilize an abundance of zucchini and can be served hot or chilled, making it a versatile dish for any season.
Most of the ingredients for this soup are easy to find in any grocery store. However, spearmint, which is used to give this soup its unique flavor, is a less common ingredient. If you can't find fresh spearmint leaves in your local supermarket, they can usually be found in the produce section of a specialty or international food market.
Ingredients for Spicy Zucchini Soup
Olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics and create a flavorful base for the soup.
Onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the soup when sautéed.
Jalapeno: Gives the soup its spicy kick. Adjust the amount used to your taste.
Garlic: A must-have in soup recipes, garlic adds a savory depth of flavor.
Zucchini: The star ingredient of the soup. Zucchinis are very hydrating and have a delicate flavor that carries the other ingredients well.
Bread: The day-old bread is used as a thickening agent, giving the soup a creamy texture without using cream.
Chicken broth: Used as the liquid base of the soup, it adds a rich, savory flavor.
Mint leaves: Mint gives the soup a refreshing flavor, complementing the zucchini and spices.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby note which brightens up the soup.
Lemon juice: Adds acidity to balance out the flavors in the soup.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, adjusted to taste.
One reader, Adlai Finn says:
This spicy zucchini soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the kick from the jalapeño is just perfect. It's a great way to use up zucchinis and the addition of fresh mint and cilantro really elevates the dish. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Spicy Zucchini Soup
How to sauté the onions and jalapeño: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and add the onion and chopped jalapeño. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the onions are translucent, but not browned.
How to cook the garlic and zucchini: Add the garlic and zucchini to the pot and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Sprinkle with salt.
How to simmer the soup: After adding the bread, broth, and water, bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes. If using uncooked potatoes instead, simmer a little longer, depending on the type of potatoes used.
How to purée the soup: After removing the soup from the heat, add the mint and cilantro (if using), then purée in a blender or food processor until smooth, working in batches if necessary. Alternatively, use an immersion blender.
How to season the soup: Return the puréed soup to the pot, then add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
How to garnish the soup: Garnish with lemon wedges and sprigs of mint or cilantro. Serve hot or chilled. The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
How To Make Spicy Zucchini Soup
Hot or cold, this zucchini soup brims bright flavors from mint and cilantro. It’s made with jalapeno, garlic, and bread pieces pureed until smooth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1onion,finely chopped
- ½jalapeno chile,or more to taste, seeds, stems and ribs removed and discarded, chopped
- 3clovesgarlic,chopped
- 2lbszucchini,(about 5 to 6 cups), chopped, skin on
- 1½cupsday old bread,or 1 cup rice or cooked or uncooked potatoes, chopped
- 3cupschicken broth,use vegetable broth for vegetarian or vegan option
- 1cupwater
- ½cupfresh mint leaves spearmint,loosely packed, chopped
- ½cupfresh cilantro,loosely packed, chopped, optional
- 2tsplemon juice
- salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
- lemon wedges,for garnish, optional
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and the chopped jalapeño, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the onions are translucent, but not browned.
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Cook the garlic and zucchini. Add the garlic and zucchini to the pan and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Sprinkle with salt.
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Add the bread, broth, and water, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
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If using uncooked potatoes instead, simmer a little longer, depending on what kind of potatoes is used.
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Remove the soup from the heat. Add the mint and cilantro (if using). Purée in a blender or food processor until smooth, working in batches if necessary. (Alternatively, use an immersion blender.)
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Return the soup to the pot. Add the lemon juice, along with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with lemon wedges and sprigs of mint or cilantro. Serve hot or chilled. Keeps for up to a week in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Calories: 291.33kcal
- Fat: 17.10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.81g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.04g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.32g
- Carbohydrates: 27.41g
- Fiber: 4.95g
- Sugar: 11.09g
- Protein: 10.07g
- Cholesterol: 5.40mg
- Sodium: 1289.24mg
- Calcium: 108.94mg
- Potassium: 963.75mg
- Iron: 3.53mg
- Vitamin A: 55.82µg
- Vitamin C: 52.83mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Spicy Zucchini Soup
When pureeing the soup, ensure that it is cooled slightly before transferring it to a blender or food processor. Hot liquids can create pressure due to steam, which can cause the lid to blow off, potentially causing burns. Also, when blending, start at a low speed and gradually increase to prevent the soup from splashing. If you're using an immersion blender, be sure to submerge the blade completely to avoid splattering.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop the vegetables and bread with a food processor to save time on prep work.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
One-pot cooking: Opt for a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time on dishwashing.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.
Multi-task: While the soup simmers, use the time to prepare a side dish or salad to complete the meal.
Invest in quality tools: Quality knives and kitchen tools can make prep work more efficient and save time in the long run.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming adjustments later on.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away dishes and utensils as you cook to minimize cleanup time at the end.
Stock up on essentials: Keep a well-stocked pantry with essential ingredients to avoid last-minute trips to the store.
Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Zucchini Soup Recipe
jalapeno chile - Substitute with serrano chile: Serrano chiles have a similar heat level to jalapenos but with a slightly fruitier flavor, making them a great substitute in the soup.
day old bread - Substitute with fresh bread crumbs: Fresh bread crumbs can be used as a substitute for day-old bread to thicken the soup while adding a fresh texture.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly while still providing a flavorful base.
fresh mint leaves - Substitute with fresh basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves can be used as a substitute for mint to add a different herbaceous flavor to the soup.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro to provide a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the soup.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice to add a slightly different citrusy tang to the soup.
Best Way to Present Spicy Zucchini Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the spicy zucchini soup, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant green color of the soup, and ensure that the surface is smooth and free of any drips or spills.
Garnish with precision: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the soup with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil in a circular motion. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a luxurious sheen to the dish.
Incorporate herb accents: Sprinkle freshly chopped mint and cilantro over the soup with precision. The vibrant green hues of the herbs will provide a striking contrast against the zucchini base, adding a pop of color to the presentation.
Lemon wedge placement: Carefully position the lemon wedges on the rim of the bowl, ensuring that they are neatly aligned and add a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Attention to detail: Wipe the edges of the bowl to remove any smudges or spills, ensuring that the presentation is flawless and exudes professionalism.
Balance and symmetry: Aim for a balanced and symmetrical arrangement of the elements on the plate, creating a visually appealing composition that reflects precision and culinary expertise.
Use minimalist elegance: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the soup and garnishes to take center stage without overwhelming the presentation with unnecessary elements.
Essential Tools for Making Zucchini Soup
- Large pot: A large, sturdy pot is essential for cooking the soup and allowing enough space for the ingredients to simmer and blend together.
- Blender or food processor: This is used to puree the soup into a smooth consistency after cooking the ingredients. It helps achieve the desired texture for the soup.
- Immersion blender: An immersion blender can also be used to puree the soup directly in the pot, providing convenience and ease of use.
- Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for chopping the onion, jalapeño, garlic, and zucchini, ensuring that the ingredients are prepared properly.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and herbs, making the cooking process more organized.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right balance of flavors and consistency in the soup.
- Ladle: A ladle is used for serving the soup, allowing for easy portioning and presentation.
- Citrus juicer: This tool can be used to extract fresh lemon juice, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the soup.
- Vegetable peeler: If needed, a vegetable peeler can be used to peel the zucchini before cooking, ensuring a smooth texture in the soup.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: These utensils are essential for stirring and sautéing the ingredients in the pot, ensuring even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Grater: A grater may be used to grate the garlic or lemon zest, adding a fine texture and intense flavor to the soup.
- Soup bowls: These are essential for serving the spicy zucchini soup, providing a vessel for enjoying the delicious flavors.
Storing and Freezing Spicy Zucchini Soup
- Allow the spicy zucchini soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the soup:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing and to save space.
- Frozen zucchini soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the soup:
- For refrigerated soup, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- For frozen soup, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or place the frozen container in a bowl of cold water for faster thawing.
- Once thawed, transfer the soup to a saucepan and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- If the reheated soup appears too thick, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice if needed.
- Garnish the reheated soup with fresh mint leaves or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Zucchini Soup
Reheat the spicy zucchini soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and prevents the soup from scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer the desired portion of leftover soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
If the reheated zucchini soup appears too thick, gradually stir in small amounts of chicken broth or water until the desired consistency is reached. This will help maintain the soup's original flavor and texture.
To add a fresh twist to your reheated soup, garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These toppings will brighten up the flavors and make the soup taste as if it were freshly prepared.
For a delightful contrast in texture, serve the reheated spicy zucchini soup with a side of crispy croutons, tortilla strips, or toasted bread. These crunchy accompaniments will complement the smooth and creamy texture of the soup.
Interesting Fact About Spicy Zucchini Soup
Zucchini soup is a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. It's also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying option for a meal.
Is Making Spicy Zucchini Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This spicy zucchini soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as zucchini, onion, and bread, are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of chicken broth and fresh herbs elevates the flavors without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $12-$15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 8/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste.
Is This Spicy Zucchini Soup Healthy?
This spicy zucchini soup recipe is a healthy choice overall. Here's why:
- The main ingredient, zucchini, is low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
- Garlic and onions offer prebiotics, which support gut health, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chicken broth adds flavor without excessive calories, while also providing some protein.
- Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro add bright flavors and additional antioxidants.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved:
- Reducing the amount of olive oil could lower the overall calorie count without sacrificing taste.
- Opting for a low-sodium chicken broth would help control salt intake.
- If you're looking to make the soup vegan-friendly, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
To boost the soup's nutritional value even further, consider these additions:
- Stir in a can of white beans or chickpeas for added protein and fiber.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra dose of greens.
- Top the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-rich garnish.
- Sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on top for a crunchy, nutrient-dense finish.
Editor's Thoughts on This Spicy Zucchini Soup
This spicy zucchini soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of zucchini, jalapeño, and fresh herbs creates a vibrant and refreshing soup. The addition of day-old bread adds a comforting and hearty element, while the lemon juice provides a bright and zesty finish. The soup can be enjoyed hot or chilled, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of spice, freshness, and depth of flavor, making it a wonderful addition to any meal.
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Why trust this Spicy Zucchini Soup Recipe:
This spicy zucchini soup recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, creating a satisfying and nourishing dish. The use of fresh ingredients such as zucchini, mint leaves, and cilantro ensures a vibrant and aromatic soup. The incorporation of jalapeno chile adds a kick of heat, elevating the overall taste experience. With a balance of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, this recipe promises a harmonious fusion of flavors. The detailed instructions guarantee a successful outcome, making it a trustworthy choice for a delicious and wholesome meal.
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