Zucchini cream with green apple and yogurt ready in 30 minutes
The zucchini rarely seeks the spotlight, but when it meets the fresh acidity of apple and the creaminess of yogurt, the story changes. Suddenly, the ordinary becomes an elegant, light dish full of nuances. This cream is not just a light soup: it is a vegetarian, gluten-free recipe that is surprisingly pleasant to the palate, which can be served cold in summer or hot in winter, adapting to any menu without losing elegance. Easy to prepare and full of character, it shows how three basic ingredients can transform into a refined and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
For decoration:
Materials
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Blender / Food processor
- Fine mesh strainer
Preparation
Wash the zucchinis well and cut them into medium pieces, without peeling. Peel the onion and chop it into small pieces to facilitate cooking.
Heat a little olive oil in a large pot and add the onion. Sauté over medium heat gently until it becomes tender but without coloring, to maintain a more delicate flavor.
Add the chopped zucchini and the apple, unpeeled and without seeds, cut into large pieces (reserve a piece for final decoration). Stir and cook everything together for 2–3 minutes so that they absorb the juices from the onion.
Cover with hot broth, season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
Remove from heat and pour the mixture into the blender jar. Add the Greek yogurt and blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Add a splash of olive oil and blend again to ensure all the ingredients are well emulsified.
Pass the cream through a fine mesh strainer to refine it and achieve a silky result. It can be reserved cold if you prefer to serve it as a summer cream, or kept warm for a more comforting dish.
Serve in bowls or deep plates and garnish with diced fresh apple, chopped toasted almonds, a few mint leaves or chopped chives, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of lemon zest. And you're done!
Observations
Can zucchini and apple cream be frozen?
It can be frozen without the yogurt. It is recommended to store the basic cream in airtight containers and add the yogurt only when reheating, to maintain the creamy texture.
How to prevent zucchini cream from losing its green color?
The trick is to cook the zucchini for just the right amount of time, with the broth already hot, and blend as soon as it is tender. If not served immediately, quickly cooling the cream helps to preserve a livelier green.
How long does zucchini cream last in the fridge?
It lasts between 2 and 3 days in the fridge, well covered in an airtight container. Before serving, just heat and lightly whisk to regain the original texture.
How to thicken zucchini cream if it is too runny?
It can be reduced for a few more minutes over heat or blended with a bit of extra cooked zucchini. Adding a small cooked potato also works to give it more body without altering the flavor.
What spices enhance the flavor of zucchini and apple?
Warm and mild spices like nutmeg, white pepper, and fresh ginger pair well, balancing the acidity of the apple and the creaminess of the yogurt. In small amounts, mild curry or cumin add greater depth.
Can zucchini and apple cream be served cold or hot?
This cream adapts to both versions: hot it is comforting in winter, while cold it is light and refreshing in summer.
Is zucchini and apple cream suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free?
Yes, as long as it is made with vegetable broth instead of chicken. Since it contains no flours or thickeners, it is suitable for both vegetarians and gluten-free diets.
How to substitute yogurt in zucchini cream if I don't consume dairy?
It can be replaced with unsweetened plant-based yogurt (soy, oat) or a bit of light coconut milk. This way, creaminess is maintained without resorting to dairy.
Nutrition
- Carbo: 13.1g
- Total fat: 24.2g
- Saturated fat: 3.6g
- Proteins: 5.1g
- Fibers: 4.8g
- Sugar: 12.1g
- ProPoints: 8
- SmartPoints: 11
Cookware
Attributes
PetitChef_Official
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