ZUCCHINI-PEAR SOUP

Zucchini-Pear Soup image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories easy, soups and stews, appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil, or a combination
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, peeled and diced
1 medium potato, preferably high-starch (''russet'' or ''baking''), peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or a pinch of dried thyme
Salt and black pepper
4 medium zucchini, trimmed and diced
2 medium ripe (but still firm) pears, peeled, cored and diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, or use water
Mint leaves for garnish

Steps:

Put butter, oil or combination in a large skillet over medium heat; when butter melts or oil is hot, cook carrot, onion, potato and thyme with a healthy sprinkling of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, adjusting heat so vegetables do not brown. When onion is softened, about 5 minutes, add zucchini and continue to cook until everything is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Add pear and cook until it has softened, about 5 minutes more. Add liquid and bring to a boil; taste and adjust seasoning. Cool mixture, then purée. Serve cold or reheat and serve hot, garnished with mint, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 239, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 1475 milligrams, Sugar 16 grams