ZUCCHINI BASIL SOUP

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  • 4

Ingredients

  • 4 SERVINGS
  • 2 pounds zucchini, trimmed and cut crosswise into thirds
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cups water, divided
  • 1/3 cup packed basil leaves
  • Equipment: an adjustable-blade slicer fitted with 1/8-inch julienne attachment

Preparation

Step 1

Julienne skin (only) from half of zucchini with slicer; toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and drain in a sieve until wilted, at least 20 minutes.

Coarsely chop remaining zucchini.

Cook onion and garlic in oil in a 3- to 4-quarts heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add chopped zucchini and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.

Add 3 cups water and simmer, partially covered, until tender, about 15 minutes.

Puree soup with basil in 2 batches in a blender.

Bring remaining cup water to a boil in a small saucepan and blanch julienned zucchini 1 minute.

Drain in a sieve set over a bowl (use liquid to thin soup if necessary).

Season soup with salt and pepper. Serve in shallow bowls with julienned zucchini mounded on top.