Chilled Cream Of Zucchini Soup With Mussels And Fresh Mint Recipes

CHILLED ZUCCHINI SOUP

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Pour water into the saucepan and bring to a boil. Add 4 sprigs of mint and zucchini. Reduce heat to low and simmer soup, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove mint.
• Stir together cornstarch and cold water and add to the soup. Increase heat to medium and whisk cornstarch mixture so soup thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• Chill soup in the refrigerator until cold, about 2 hours. Before serving, add lemon juice and garnish with remaining mint, basil, and remaining olive oil.

CHILLED MINTED ZUCCHINI SOUP

Steps:

• In a 31/2- to 4-quart heavy saucepan heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté one third zucchini, stirring occasionally, until golden. Add remaining zucchini and water and simmer until zucchini is very tender, about 15 minutes. Cool mixture slightly and in a blender purée in batches until smooth, transferring to a bowl. Stir in yogurt, mint, and salt and pepper to taste. Chill soup, covered, at least until cold, about 6 hours, and up to 1 day. Before serving, season with salt and pepper if necessary.

CHILLED MINTED ZUCCHINI SOUP

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan heat oil over medium-low heat until hot but not smoking and sauté one third of the zucchini, stirring occasionally, until golden.
• Add remaining zucchini and water and simmer until zucchini is very tender, about 15 minutes.
• Cool mixture slightly and in a blender puree in batches until smooth, transferring to a bowl.
• Stir in yoghurt, mint, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Chill soup, covered, at least until cold, about 6 hours, and up to 1 day (after that, it will lose its fresh taste).
• Before serving, season with salt and pepper, if necessary.