Chilled Zucchini Soup

A refreshing summer soup made with tender zucchini, aromatic herbs, and tangy buttermilk. This light and creamy soup features shallots, fresh parsley, and dill for a bright, garden-fresh flavor.

6 servings
40 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ lb shallots
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • lb zucchini
  • 2 strips lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • cups water
  • 1 cup flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • to taste zucchini blossoms

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook shallots in oil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Add zucchini, zest, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth and water and simmer until zucchini is tender, about 3 minutes.

    8 min

  3. 3.

    Purée zucchini mixture, including zest, along with parsley and dill in a blender (in 2 batches if necessary) until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Transfer to a metal bowl, then set bowl into a larger bowl of ice and cold water (to quick-chill). Cool, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.

    25 min

  4. 4.

    Stir in buttermilk and season with salt.

    2 min