Courgette Pea and Pesto Soup (Printable)

A vibrant spring soup with fresh courgettes, sweet peas, and basil pesto swirl.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 3 medium courgettes (zucchini), diced
05 - 1 2/3 cups frozen or fresh peas
06 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (about 5 oz)

→ Liquids

07 - 4 cups vegetable stock

→ Seasoning

08 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

10 - 4 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
11 - 2 tbsp crème fraîche or Greek yogurt (optional)
12 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
03 - Add the courgettes and potato. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
05 - Add the peas and continue simmering for 5 minutes, until all vegetables are tender.
06 - Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the soup until smooth.
07 - Season with salt and pepper. Reheat gently if needed. Ladle into bowls and swirl in a tablespoon of pesto per serving. Top with crème fraîche or Greek yogurt and fresh basil, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
  • The pesto swirl transforms a simple soup into something restaurant worthy
  • It freezes beautifully so you can keep spring flavors in your freezer for months
02 -
  • The potato is non optional for the right texture because it acts as a natural thickener that prevents the soup from being watery
  • Do not skip the step of cooking the courgettes and potato before adding liquid because this pre cooking develops deeper flavor
  • Hot soup expands violently in blenders so always remove the center cap from the lid and cover with a towel if using a countertop blender
03 -
  • If your soup seems too thick after blending, add stock a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency
  • Reserve a few peas before blending and add them whole at the end for texture and visual appeal
  • The soup freezes exceptionally well for up to three months but add the pesto fresh after reheating
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