Courgette Soup Vegan Recipe

When the weather starts to cool and you find yourself craving something warm, nourishing, and comforting, few dishes hit the mark like a hearty, velvety bowl of courgette (zucchini) soup. It’s not just easy to make; it’s also packed with nutrients, bursting with flavor, and so versatile that it’s a perfect canvas for all sorts of spices and ingredients. And the best part? This courgette soup is completely vegan, so it caters to plant-based diets without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Courgettes are the unsung heroes of the vegetable world. They’re light, mild in flavor, and incredibly hydrating, making them the ideal ingredient for a soup that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. But when combined with the right spices, herbs, and other veggies, they transform into something rich, soothing, and surprisingly satisfying.

If you’ve never tried making courgette soup from scratch, you’re in for a treat. This recipe will guide you through the steps, while giving you plenty of tips, tricks, and variations to suit your preferences.

Courgette Soup Vegan Recipe

This vegan courgette soup is creamy and full of flavors that come together beautifully, especially when paired with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad. It’s the kind of dish that you’ll keep coming back to, whether you’re having it as a starter or a light main.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful soup:

• Courgettes (Zucchini) – 4 medium-sized, chopped
• Onion – 1 large, diced (for depth and sweetness)
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced (adds warmth)
• Olive oil – 1-2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
• Vegetable stock – 4 cups (to bring it all together)
• Coconut milk – 1 cup (for creaminess)
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (to balance the flavors)
• Fresh thyme – 1-2 sprigs (for an earthy fragrance)
• Salt and pepper – to taste (essential for seasoning)
• Nutritional yeast – 1 tablespoon (for a cheesy umami boost)
• Optional: A pinch of chili flakes – if you like a little heat!

This combination of ingredients is simple but packs a punch, balancing fresh, mild courgettes with the richness of coconut milk and the savory undertones of garlic and herbs. The result is a vibrant and comforting soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got the ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this dish to life. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Prepare Your Vegetables

   • Wash and chop your courgettes into bite-sized pieces. No need to peel them, as the skin adds extra nutrients and color to the soup.
   • Dice your onion and mince the garlic. The onion will provide the base sweetness and depth, while garlic will give the soup a punch of flavor.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This is where the soup starts to smell amazing!

3. Cook The Courgettes

   • Add your chopped courgettes to the pot and stir them into the onion and garlic mixture. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften a bit.
   • At this point, the courgettes will release some of their moisture, which will help in the cooking process.

4. Add The Liquid

   • Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the courgettes are fully tender and easily mashed with a fork.

5. Blend The Soup

   • Once the courgettes are soft, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be sure to let it cool a little to avoid splashing!
   • If you like your soup on the chunkier side, blend it less. If you prefer it silky smooth, blend it for a little longer.

6. Finish With Creaminess

   • Once the soup is blended, return it to low heat. Stir in the coconut milk, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of coconut milk, or even some croutons for added texture.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients in this courgette soup will give you a deeper appreciation for the flavors and their roles in the dish.

• Courgettes: These vegetables are low in calories but high in water content, making them hydrating and easy on the stomach. They provide a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s a perfect backdrop for stronger spices or herbs.
• Coconut Milk: Used to bring a luscious creaminess to the soup, coconut milk also imparts a subtle sweetness and rich texture, which balances the lightness of the courgettes and onions.
• Nutritional Yeast: This is a vegan’s secret weapon for that savory, cheesy flavor. It adds depth and umami without any dairy, making it the perfect ingredient for plant-based recipes.
• Vegetable Stock: Provides the essential base for your soup. Using a high-quality, homemade vegetable stock or a good store-bought option will elevate the entire flavor profile.

Expert Tips

• Texture Variations: If you’re aiming for an extra smooth soup, you can strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve after blending. This removes any remaining bits and ensures that the texture is super silky.
• Add Some Greens: For added nutrition and color, consider adding some spinach or kale toward the end of cooking. Let it wilt into the soup for a bit of extra body and a pop of green.
• Enhance the Flavor: If you love a bit of extra flavor, try roasting the courgettes before adding them to the soup. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth.
• Herb Customization: Thyme is a great choice for this soup, but you could swap it out for rosemary, basil, or dill if you prefer. Just make sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is a fantastic foundation, and you can play around with it in so many ways! Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Courgette Soup: Add chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to give the soup a spicy kick. A drizzle of sriracha on top can also enhance the heat.
• Courgette and Potato Soup: For a heartier version, add diced potatoes to the mix. The potatoes make the soup even creamier and more filling.
• Lemon and Dill Courgette Soup: Add a fresh twist by incorporating fresh lemon zest and a handful of chopped dill. It creates a refreshing contrast to the richness of the coconut milk.
• Roasted Garlic Courgette Soup: Roasting the garlic before adding it to the soup brings out its natural sweetness and mellows out its flavor. Combine this with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy, deep flavor.

Final Words

Vegan courgette soup is an absolute winner for anyone looking for a nourishing, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re looking to eat lighter, introduce more plant-based meals into your diet, or just want something comforting, this recipe will undoubtedly become a go-to in your kitchen.

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. You can tweak it to suit your preferences, experimenting with different herbs, spices, and additional vegetables to create a soup that’s uniquely yours.