Creamy Zucchini Blossom Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) zucchini blossoms, stems removed 1 pound (450g) zucchini blossoms, stems removed
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the zucchini blossoms to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to wilt.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. 4.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
5. 5.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Creamy Zucchini Blossom Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini blossoms — Make sure to remove the stems before using the blossoms in the soup. Gently wash them to remove any dirt or insects. Use only the blossoms, discarding the rest of the zucchini.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or coconut milk.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to enhance the flavors of the soup.
• If zucchini blossoms are not available, you can substitute them with other edible flowers like squash blossoms or hibiscus petals.
• Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick.
• Serve the soup with warm crusty bread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Zucchini Blossom Soup as a starter or a light main course. Pair it with a fresh salad or a side of grilled vegetables for a complete and wholesome meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the soup, garnish it with a few whole zucchini blossoms and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro. Serve it in individual bowls or small soup cups for an elegant touch.