Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup Recipe

Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup Recipe
Yields: 1 Serving Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 15 Mins Cook Time: 40 Mins Total Time: 55 Mins

Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup is a light and refreshing dish that epitomizes the simplicity and elegance of great home cooking. Made with fresh courgettes, also known as zucchinis, this soup is velvety smooth and brings out the subtle, sweet flavors of the vegetable, enhanced with herbs and a hint of seasoning. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, comforting meal that truly celebrates the bounty of the garden.

In this article, I’ll guide you through making Jamie Oliver’s Courgette Soup, offering tips to maximize the flavors and achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

What is Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup?

Jamie Oliver courgette soup is a creamy and smooth soup that uses courgettes and other vegetables as the main ingredients. It is a vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free soup that is easy, quick, and satisfying. It also has a refreshing mint flavor that adds a touch of freshness to the soup.

Typically serving 4-6 people, this courgette soup can be prepared quickly, making it a fantastic choice for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a simple, yet satisfying, lunch.

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Why You Love this Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of simplicity and nutrition, offering several reasons for its popularity:

  • Garden Fresh: Utilizing fresh courgettes, this soup is a wonderful way to incorporate the harvest from your garden or local produce from the market.
  • Healthful Delight: Packed with nutrients and low in calories, it’s rich in essential vitamins and minerals, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
  • Effortless Elegance: Despite its simple preparation, the soup offers an elegant taste using seasonal and locally available ingredients.
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable, you can add various vegetables, spices, or herbs to tailor it to your taste preferences.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Ideal for any meal, it provides a comforting warmth, especially appreciated during cooler days.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup

To make this Jamie Oliver courgette soup recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 sticks of celery
  • 1 medium leek
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 2 courgettes
  • 1 vegetable stock cube, or 1.4 liters of hot fresh vegetable stock
  • 100 grams of podded fresh peas, or broad beans
  • 200 grams of baby spinach
  • A few sprigs of fresh mint
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Useful Equipment

You will also need the following equipment:

  • A large pot
  • A chopping board
  • A knife
  • A measuring jug
  • A stick blender, or a regular blender
  • A ladle
  • Bowls for serving

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this Jamie Oliver courgette soup recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the onion, celery, leek, and garlic

  • Peel and roughly chop the onion on a chopping board, then place it in a large bowl.
  • Trim and roughly chop the celery and leek, then peel and finely chop the garlic and add them all to the onion.

Step 2: Cook the vegetables

  • Place a large pot on medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add all the chopped vegetables, turn the heat down to low, and cook with the lid askew for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare the potatoes and courgettes

  • Peel the potatoes using a Y-shaped peeler, then chop them into rough 2cm chunks and place them in the empty bowl.
  • Chop the courgettes into rough 2cm chunks and place them in the bowl with the potatoes.

Step 4: Add the stock and boil the soup

  • Fill and boil the kettle. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the potatoes, courgettes, and a tiny pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
  • Crumble the stock cube (if using) into a measuring jug carefully top up to 1.4 liters with boiling water and stir until dissolved. Carefully pour the hot stock into the pot.
  • Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potato is cooked through.

Step 5: Add the peas, spinach, and mint

  • Add the peas or beans and the spinach and cook for a further 4 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
  • Pick and roughly chop the mint leaves, discarding the stalks.

Step 6: Blend the soup

  • Carefully remove the pot to a heatproof surface and leave for a minute or two to stop bubbling.
  • Carefully blitz with a stick blender until smooth (use a tea towel to protect your hands from little splashes). Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches until smooth, then return to the pot.

Step 7: Season and serve the soup

  • Have a taste and add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
  • Carefully ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle over the mint. Enjoy!
Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup
Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup

What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup?

Complementing this soup with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to a fuller and more satisfying experience:

  • Bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta for dipping and absorbing its rich flavors.
  • Crackers: Serve with a variety of crackers for added crunch and texture, enhancing the soup’s smoothness.
  • Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons tossed in herbs and oil add a flavorful crunch.
  • Salad: A fresh green salad or coleslaw can introduce a refreshing element to your meal.
  • Sandwich: Accompany with a hearty sandwich or wrap for a more filling dining option, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup

Enhance your soup-making skills with these professional suggestions for a flawless bowl every time:

  • Thorough Cleaning: Ensure leeks are well-cleaned to remove any hidden dirt.
  • Even Chopping: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for uniform cooking and blending.
  • Blending Techniques: Use a stick blender for convenience and safety, especially when handling hot soup. For a regular blender, ensure careful transfer and blending in batches.
  • Taste and Adjust: Season with salt and pepper according to your preference and the natural saltiness of your vegetable stock.
  • Minty Freshness: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh mint leaves, enhancing the soup’s aroma and flavor.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup

Adapt and experiment with the soup to make it uniquely yours:

  • Spice and Herbs: Introduce spices like cumin or coriander and fresh herbs for added depth.
  • Vegetable Variety: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables adjusting cooking times and stock accordingly.
  • Creamy Texture: For a richer soup, consider adding a dash of cream, coconut milk, or a sprinkle of cheese.
  • Protein Boost: Include chicken, bacon, tofu, or beans for a heartier version of the soup.

How do I store Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup Leftovers?

If you have any leftovers of this soup, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Here are some tips for storing the soup:

  • Let the soup cool completely before storing it, as putting hot soup in the fridge or freezer can raise the temperature and spoil the food.
  • Label the container with the name and date of the soup, so you can easily identify it and use it within the safe period.
  • Leave some space in the container, as the soup can expand when frozen.
  • If you freeze the soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating it.

How do I reheat Jamie Oliver Courgette Soup Leftovers?

You can reheat this soup on the stove or in the microwave, depending on your preference and convenience.

Here are some tips for reheating the soup:

  • If you reheat the soup on the stove, transfer it to a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and bubbling. You may need to add some water or stock to thin the soup, as it can thicken when stored.
  • If you reheat the soup in the microwave, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or a plate. Heat it on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway, until it is hot and steaming. You may need to adjust the time and power depending on your microwave and the amount of soup.
  • If the soup has separated or curdled, you can blend it again with a stick blender or a regular blender, until it is smooth and creamy.

Nutrition value per serving (based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 168 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated fat: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1020 mg
  • Potassium: 836 mg
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Vitamin A: 10750 IU
  • Vitamin C: 41 mg
  • Calcium: 68 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg

FAQs

How can I make the soup creamier?

You can add some cream, coconut milk, or almond milk to the soup, for a richer and creamier texture. You can also add some cheese, such as cheddar, parmesan, or feta, for a cheesy and savory twist.

How can I make the soup spicier?

You can add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh chili peppers to the soup, for a spicy kick. You can also add some curry powder, paprika, or turmeric, for a more complex and aromatic flavor.

How can I use the courgette flowers in the soup?

You can use the courgette flowers in the soup by stuffing them with some ricotta cheese and mint and baking them in the oven until golden and crisp. Then, you can serve them on top of the soup, or as a side dish.

How can I prevent the soup from separating or curdling?

You can prevent the soup from separating or curdling by blending it well until smooth and creamy. You can also re-blend the soup if it has separated or curdled after storing or reheating.

How can I make this soup more filling?

To make the soup more filling, consider adding proteins such as cooked chicken, beans, or lentils. You could also serve it with a side of crusty bread, a hearty sandwich, or top it with croutons.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make a Jamie Oliver courgette soup recipe. This soup is a great way to use up your courgettes and other vegetables and to enjoy a warm and comforting meal. It is also vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, so it suits different dietary preferences. It is easy, quick, and satisfying, and it has a creamy and smooth texture and a refreshing mint flavor. It is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, especially on a cold day.

Thank you for reading and happy cooking!

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