Chunky Zucchini Soup with White Beans

INGREDIENS:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium zucchini, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 can (14 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot.
Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 2: Adding the Vegetables
Add diced zucchini and carrots to the pot.
Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Incorporating the Beans and Broth

Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot, stirring to combine.
Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that all the vegetables and beans are covered.
Stir in dried thyme and oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Simmering the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
Step 5: Adjusting the Seasoning and Texture

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks intact. Alternatively, leave it as is for a chunkier texture.
Step 6: Serving and Garnishing

Ladle the Chunky Zucchini Soup with White Beans into bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Chunky Zucchini Soup with White Beans:
Choose fresh and firm zucchini for optimal flavor and texture.
Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or celery to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile of the soup.
Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary or thyme to customize the flavor to your liking.
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup using a blender or immersion blender before adding it back to the pot.
If you prefer a heartier soup, consider adding cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa to the pot along with the vegetables.
The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a great option for meal prep.
To make the soup more filling, top each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt.