Appetizers

Cream of courgette soup with mint

⏱ 20 min🍳 10 min👤 4 pp★★☆☆☆

Fresh and light, this creamy courgette soup with mint is a great starter to be serve with some delicious croutons during a summer lunch. The freshness of the mint and the vitamin-packed courgettes will satisfy even those who don’t particularly like eating when it’s hot. And not only that: if you are a vegetarian, or simply love eating vegetables, you will see that this creamy courgette soup offers plenty of ideas for other velvety soups, to be served hot or cold at any time of the year. Peas, carrots, mixed vegetables … etc etc: almost all vegetables, including the legumes, lend themselves perfectly to the creation of stunning creamy soups.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 145 kcal / serving

Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
8g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
10 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Cut the courgette into cubes. Cut the onion into thick slices. Coarsely chop the fresh mint. Sauté the courgette lightly along with the onion in saucepan, adding a little water and salt. Add the mint and blend everything together with an electric hand mixer.

Tips
If you want to give an exotic yet light touch to this recipe, you might add some yoghurt; but if you like the idea of beefing it up and turning it into a single course meal, the best way to do so is to add ricotta. One last tip: you can also use this velvety sauce as a lovely light pasta sauce – obviously a summer version. To finish off the soup, try adding some cubes of feta.
Trivia
It has been scientifically proven that eating green vegetables is good for your sight, especially in adulthood. Recipes for courgettes are also great for those on a diet, being very low in calories. In addition, the presence of pectin and dietary fibre in courgettes helps the body to purify itself and to keep cholesterol levels in check. It doesn’t stop there: because they are rich in folic acid, courgettes are beneficial for pregnant women.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Zucchini and Mint Velouté with Milk

A delicious variant of the classic zucchini and mint velouté includes the addition of milk, which makes the dish even creamier and more enveloping. To prepare this version, after cooking the zucchini and onions, simply add a desired amount of milk during the blending phase. The milk not only enriches the flavor but also gives a velvety texture that envelops the palate. This preparation is ideal for those looking for a healthy and nutritious comfort food, perfect for a light dinner or as a refined appetizer. Serve the velouté hot, garnished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Piedmontese Zucchini and Mint Velouté

The Piedmontese zucchini and mint velouté represents a traditional interpretation of this dish, enriched with typical ingredients from Piedmont. In this variant, potatoes can be added to give more body to the mixture, making the velouté even more satisfying. Fresh mint, an aromatic herb typical of the regional cuisine, enhances the flavor of the zucchini, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and freshness. Additionally, the preparation can also be done in a pressure cooker, reducing cooking times and preserving nutrients. This version is perfect for those who wish to savor a dish that encapsulates the authentic flavors of the Piedmontese lands.

Light Zucchini and Mint Velouté without Milk

For those who are calorie-conscious, the zucchini and mint velouté can be prepared in a light version without milk. By replacing the milk with water or vegetable broth, a light yet equally tasty preparation is achieved. This variant is ideal for those on a low-calorie diet or for those with lactose intolerance. The recipe remains simple and quick to prepare, preserving the fresh flavors of zucchini and mint. Adding spices like black pepper or a pinch of chili can give a touch of liveliness to the dish without weighing it down. Serve the velouté with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh mint for a truly light and flavorful dish.

Benefits of Zucchini and Calories in Zucchini and Mint Velouté

Zucchini, the main ingredient of the zucchini and mint velouté, is a vegetable rich in water and low in calories, with only 17 calories per 100 grams. They are an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin A, and contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals. The presence of mint not only enriches the dish with freshness but also provides digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. This dish, therefore, is not only a tasty option but also a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Thanks to its lightness, the zucchini and mint velouté can also be consumed during a balanced diet, ensuring nutritional intake without sacrificing flavor.

Can Zucchini and Mint Velouté be Frozen?

Yes, zucchini and mint velouté can be frozen without any issues. To achieve the best results, it is advisable to let the velouté cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers suitable for freezing. This way, flavor and texture are preserved. It is important to note that once thawed, the velouté may be slightly more liquid; in this case, it can be reheated and a bit of milk or broth can be added to restore the right consistency. By freezing the velouté, you can always have a healthy and quick meal on hand, ideal for days when there is little time to cook. Remember to consume it within 2-3 months to ensure the best quality.