Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cups zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
3. Add the chopped zucchini and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the chopped basil leaves and stir to combine.
5. Add the stale bread cubes and stir to combine.
6. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil or butter.
- Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted with water and bouillon cubes.
- Zucchini can be substituted with yellow squash or pumpkin.
- Basil leaves can be substituted with parsley or cilantro.
- Stale bread can be substituted with croutons or fresh bread.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add diced tomatoes for a more tomato-based soup.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamier soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Use stale bread for a thicker soup.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or croutons.
Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bread bowl for a fun presentation.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Croutons
- Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thin, add more bread cubes.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the zucchini until tender to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Bread soup is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, herbaceous, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or appetizer.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Savory, Herbal, Earthy, Fresh, Comforting