Creamy Zucchini Soup (Print Version)

A velvety blend of zucchini, potatoes, and cheddar cheese with aromatic herbs, ready in just 45 minutes.

# Ingredients:

→ Base ingredients

01 - 2 tbsp butter
02 - 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
03 - 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

→ Seasonings

04 - 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
05 - 1/4 tsp dried thyme
06 - A pinch of dried oregano
07 - 1/4 tsp celery salt
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste
09 - Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Vegetables

10 - 5 cups fresh chopped zucchini
11 - 1 lb russet potatoes, washed, peeled, and diced

→ Liquid ingredients

12 - 3-4 cups chicken broth
13 - 1 tbsp soy sauce

→ Dairy

14 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
15 - 1 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, at room temperature

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add butter to melt, stir in onion, and cook until softened, roughly 5 minutes. Then stir in garlic and cook for another 60 seconds.
02 - Add all seasonings and chopped zucchini to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
03 - Add potatoes, chicken broth, and soy sauce to the pot. Stir to combine evenly, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium.
04 - Simmer the soup partially covered for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes and zucchini are fork-tender.
05 - Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly combined.
06 - Ladle the soup into bowls, serve warm, and enjoy.

# Additional Notes:

01 - There's no need to peel the zucchini before chopping it. The skin contains nutrients and blends easily.
02 - Yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini.
03 - For a chunkier soup, mash the zucchini and potatoes using a potato masher instead of blending.
04 - Omitting the heavy cream can make this recipe lighter for a summer-friendly option.