Zucchini Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 medium zucchinis (chopped)
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4-5 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Simmer vegetables: Add chopped zucchini, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. 3

   Blend soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly and blend in batches.

4. 4

   Season soup: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice and heavy cream (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more broth if it needs to be thinned out. Heat through.

5. 5

   Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan.