Courgette Pea and Pesto (Printable Version)

A vibrant spring soup with courgettes, sweet peas, and basil pesto swirl. Ready in 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 3 medium courgettes (zucchini), diced
05 - 1 2/3 cups frozen or fresh peas
06 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (about 5 ounces)

→ Liquids

07 - 4 cups vegetable stock

→ Seasoning

08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

10 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto
11 - 2 tablespoons crème fraîche or Greek yogurt (optional)
12 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
03 - Add diced courgettes and potato to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to lightly sweat the vegetables.
04 - Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 10 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
05 - Stir in peas and continue simmering for 5 minutes until all vegetables are completely tender.
06 - Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender to purée until completely smooth and creamy.
07 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reheat gently if needed. Ladle into bowls and swirl 1 tablespoon of pesto into each serving. Top with crème fraîche or Greek yogurt and fresh basil leaves if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in barely half an hour but tastes like something that simmered all day
  • The pesto swirl transforms a simple soup into something you would happily serve guests
  • Freezes beautifully so you can always have a homemade lunch ready on busy days
02 -
  • Always let hot soups cool slightly before blending in a regular blender, otherwise the pressure can cause the lid to blow off
  • The potato is essential for body, without it the soup can taste thin and watery
  • Do not add the pesto before blending, it will turn the soup brownish rather than that bright spring green
03 -
  • Make double the pesto and keep the rest in the fridge for pasta, sandwiches or roasted vegetables
  • This soup freezes perfectly for up to 3 months, just add the pesto after reheating
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