Creamy Zucchini Soup with Melted Cheese

This creamy zucchini soup with melted cheese is a must-try, especially during zucchini season. It has a delicate, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich broth made from chicken. To make it even more filling, we suggest adding pieces of cooked chicken breast, grated hard cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper when serving. The melted cheese in this recipe can come with various flavor additions like Provençal herbs, ham, or paprika, adding a unique twist to the soup.

Recipe Details:

• Difficulty: Easy
• Calories: 220.62 kcal/serving
• Servings: 6
• Prep & Cook Time: 1 hour

Macronutrients (Per Serving):

• Protein: 18.61g
• Fat: 6.71g
• Carbohydrates: 24.03g

Ingredients for 6 servings:

• 8.8 oz (250g) chicken breast
• 2 quarts (2 liters) water
• 1.4 lbs (650g) zucchini
• 8.8 oz (250g) potatoes
• 2 onions
• 5.3 oz (150g) carrots
• 1 garlic clove
• 5.3 oz (150g) melted cheese
• 1.8 oz (50g) hard cheese (grated)
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 whole black peppercorns
• Sea salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Make the Broth:

1. Peel the onions and carrots. Cut one onion in half.
2. In a pot, combine the chicken breast, halved onion, whole carrot, and water.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then add the black peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt.
4. Simmer for about 25 minutes, skimming off any foam that forms. Once done, remove the chicken from the broth and set aside. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Peel and dice the zucchini, potatoes, and remaining onion into medium-sized cubes.
2. Peel the garlic clove.
3. Add the prepared vegetables and garlic to the broth.

Cook the Soup:

1. Bring the broth with vegetables to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the melted cheese and stir until it completely dissolves into the broth.
3. Remove the soup from heat and blend it with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.

Adjust Consistency (Optional):

• If the soup seems too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or cream. If you add cream, bring the soup back to a boil after adjusting the consistency.

Prepare the Chicken and Cheese:

1. Dice the reserved chicken breast into small cubes.
2. Grate the hard cheese using a fine grater.

Serve the Soup:

1. Pour the creamy zucchini soup into deep bowls.
2. Add a few pieces of diced chicken to each serving and generously sprinkle with grated hard cheese.
3. Finish with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.

Chef’s Tip:

Creamy soups like this are excellent for your digestive system, providing energy and quick satiety. Many nutritionists recommend incorporating more vegetables into your daily diet, and this simple yet nutritious soup offers a substantial portion of vegetables in every serving.

Variation Suggestions:

Instead of zucchini, feel free to use other seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or pumpkin. You can even combine different vegetables to create new flavors while boosting the vitamin and nutrient content with each variation.

Enjoy this creamy zucchini soup as a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week!