This creamy zucchini soup was created when a friend of mine requested a hearty soup with protein. Instead of just loading up on chunks of meat, I use silken tofu which adds the protein and the creamy texture. Since the tofu makes it creamy, there is no need for dairy so this soup is dairy-free and vegan too. I have seasoned it with some allspice and cayenne pepper but feel free to add your favorite spices and herbs. The soup provides a great base for many flavors.
More gluten-free, and dairy-free soup recipes can be found on my blog including my personal favorite gluten-free creamy mushroom soup recipe, gluten-free creamy asparagus soup and my comforting gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
One-Pot Soup
If you have an immersion blender, this recipe can be done in one pot. For me this is a bonus because it means less to wash! If you don’t have an immersion blender a blender will do the trick to puree this soup.
Soup Ingredients
Broth – If you are vegetarian or vegan I highly recommend using Imagine No-Chicken Broth (the low-sodium one). It has the best flavor of any of the vegan broths I have tried and provides a great base for soups. If you eat chicken, I recommend using a low-sodium chicken broth. Imagine Food’s Chicken broth is very good also.
Onions – If you have digestive issues with onions (like me) you can leave them out. A small amount of onion powder is a good substitute if you are able to tolerate it.
Salt – I have not given an exact amount of salt because all broths are not created equal. The salt level varies greatly so just let your taste buds tell you how much is the right amount. Ad a little, taste, add a little, taste is the best method.
Zucchini Soup Variations
This creamy soup has a nice mild flavor and will be great with other flavors
Curry-Zucchini Soup – Add 1 tsp curry powder in place of the allspice and cayenne and use cilantro in place of the parsley.
Thai Zucchini Soup – Use cilantro in place of the parsley. Add 1 Tbsp finely sliced lemongrass (with the celery and carrot) using only the bottom third of the stalk with outer leaves removed. Stir in 1/2 c canned coconut milk or cream and the zest of one lime after pureeing it and before adding salt.
Creamy Zucchini Soup
Recommended Products
Ingredients
- 14 oz container of silken tofu
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 stalks celery
- 2 small carrots or 10 baby carrots
- 1/4 large onion
- 3 medium-sized zucchini
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable see recommended broth below or chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp fresh or 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1 oz fresh parsley leaves handful
- 1 oz fresh cilantro leaves handful
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- kosher salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Drain the water from the tofu. Cut the block in thirds and place it on an absorbent kitchen towel.
- Roughly chop the onions and celery and chop the carrots a bit smaller. Slice the zucchini in halfΒ lengthwise and then into 1/4β³ slices.
- Heat a medium-sized pot with the oil. Throw in the carrot, celery and onion and saute about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened a bit. Add a couple of pinches of salt and stir.
- Add the zucchini and saute, stirring occasionally,Β another 5-7 minutes until it is softened.
- Add the broth, bay leaves, thyme, parsley and cilantro. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the flame to low-medium to simmer. Cover the pot and let simmer for about 35-40 minutes. Give the pot a stir every 10 minutes or so.
- Remove the bay leaves.
- If you have an immersion blender, great,Β keep the soup in the pot and use that.
- Otherwise pour the soup into the blender (youβll have to do it in batches). NOTE: If you are using the blender, remove the center plastic piece from the lid before blending. Otherwise the heat will cause a the lid to pop off during blending. Cover the opening with a light towel to prevent splattering.
- Roughly cube the tofu and add to the blender or potΒ along with the allspice, cayenne pepper, a couple of pinches of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Once all the soup is pureed taste it for the salt level. Add in pinches, little by little until it is to your taste. You can also add more cayenne if you like more kick.
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