Zucchini Summer Soup

Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 60 min
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings

Description

This zucchini summer soup recipe is a great way to use those giant zucchini, Roma tomatoes, and fresh herbs from the garden. Serve with grated cheese.

Ingredients

1 extra large zucchini, cubed
2 teaspoons salt
4 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup water, or as needed
1 (32 ounce) can chicken broth
1/4 cup white sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 sweet onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1 Place zucchini in a colander; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt. Set aside to drain, about 30 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, combine Roma tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water in a blender; blend until smooth.
3 Pour tomato mixture and chicken broth into a large stockpot; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low; stir in sugar and simmer, stirring occasionally.
4 Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic; cook and stir until onion is translucent and zucchini is lightly brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to blender; pulse a few times to chop.
5 Transfer zucchini mixture to the stockpot; stir in dill, tarragon, parsley, and lemon juice. Simmer, uncovered, for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally; stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper; simmer 5 minutes. Let stand before serving, 10 minutes.