Photo by Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post
Here, a bounty of fresh cooked summer squash is pureed until creamy with rich, velvety avocado and seasoned with lemon and basil for a chilled soup that is as light and refreshing as it is fulfilling. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, to make this zucchini avocado soup vegan.
Make Ahead: The zucchini avocado soup needs to be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, and up to 1 day, before serving.
Chilled Zucchini Avocado Soup With Basil
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds zucchini (4 medium), trimmed, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch half- moon slices
3/4 teaspoon salt, or more as needed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (see headnote; may substitute vegetable broth)
Flesh of 1 ripe avocado
1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon juice (from 1 lemon), or more as needed
Pinch ground white pepper
Directions
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, until it is softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the zucchini and the salt.
Add the broth and increase the heat to medium-high; once the liquid begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the zucchini has softened. Let cool completely.
Puree half of the zucchini mixture in a blender, then transfer the puree to a large bowl or storage container. Add the remaining half of the zucchini mixture to the blender with the avocado and the basil; puree until smooth, then add it to the first batch of pureed mixture.
Stir in the lemon juice, zest and the pepper. Taste, and add more salt and/or lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 1 day, before serving.
Makes 6 servings
Serving size: 1 cup
Per serving: Calories 100; Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 1g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 500mg; Total Carbohydrates 10g; Dietary Fiber 4g; Protein 3g; Sugar: 5g
