Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 small bay leaves
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 brown onion, chopped
- 3 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large zucchini, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 250 ml vegetable stock
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
- Crusty bread, on the side
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the bay leaves, garlic cloves, and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to brown and becomes soft, releasing a fragrant aroma.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, zucchini, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Toss the mixture to combine well, and continue cooking on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become glossy and start to soften.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the vegetable stock and mix thoroughly. Cover the saucepan with a lid and allow the soup to simmer gently on medium-low heat for approximately 20 minutes, letting all flavors meld and the vegetables become tender.
- Blend until smooth: Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully discard the bay leaves. Using a stick blender or heat-proof jug blender, puree the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Season and reheat: Return the blended soup to the saucepan. Season with sea salt flakes and black pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable stock to reach your desired consistency. Gently heat the soup over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
- Storage tips: Allow any leftover soup to cool completely. Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 weeks. Refrigerate in a glass jar or airtight container for up to 3 days if consuming within that time.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and zucchini for the best flavor.
- Discard bay leaves after simmering as they are not edible.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup or pulse briefly.
- You can substitute vegetable stock with chicken stock if not vegetarian.
- The soup freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Adjust seasoning at the end as vegetable stocks can vary in salt levels.
- Serve with a splash of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian