Zuppa di Zucchini

Zuppa di zucchini is courgette soup

Zuppa di zucchini is an Italian courgette soup. Zuppa di zucchini is an ideal soup to enjoy on a cold winter's day. Zuppa di zucchini is simply made with courgettes (young marrows).

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

40 grams butter
1 large onion (sliced)
500 grams zucchini (thinly sliced) or courgettes or young marrows)
1.2 litres water
1 chicken stock cube
2 small eggs
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tablespoon basil (chopped)
salt and pepper (to taste)
crostini (to garnish)

Method:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan.

2. Add the onion.

3. Fry gently for 5 minutes.

4. Add the zucchini and fry for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Add the water.

6. Add the chicken stock cube.

7. Bring to the boil.

8. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

9. Puree in an electric blender or rub through a sieve.

10. Return to the saucepan.

11. Bring to the boil.

12. Beat the eggs, Parmesan cheese and basil together in a warmed soup tureen.

13. Then, slowly beat in the boiling soup.

14. Check for seasoning.

15. Pour into individual soup bowls.

16. Top with crostini.

17. Serve immediately.

Tip:

1. This is how to make crostini.

a. Cut round bread rolls into 5mm (1/4 inch) thick slices.

b. Toast one side.

c. Spread the untoasted side with butter.

d. Sprinkle thickly with grated cheese.

e. Place under a preheated hot grill until golden and bubbling.

To discover more about Italian food visit the Italian Traditional Food webpage