| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 145 | 8g | 1g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 5g | 0.45g |
Every spoonful of the Courgette Flower and Saffron Soup takes you on a culinary journey. Your tastebuds delight to the delicate floral notes of courgette flowers, a vibrant twist to the comforting warmth of familiar flavours. From the tender familiarity of my Southern upbringing in Atlanta, to the tantalizing zest of my Nigerian heritage, I’ve crafted this soup to be a delightful blend of where I’ve been, and all the flavours I have come to know and love.
The Harmony of Afro-Southern Fusion
Creating recipes that balance these unique flavor profiles is something I like to call Afro-Southern fusion. And this Courgette Flower and Saffron Soup is certainly no exception. Just as my two worlds find harmony in the depth and diversity of my cultural heritage, this soup too draws its strength from seemingly divergent ingredients coming together to create a splendid symphony of taste.
Courgette Flower and Saffron Soup: Health Benefits
Beyond its deliciousness, this soup also offers an array of health benefits. It’s rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and the saffron threads provide not only an exquisite aroma and a rich golden hue, but also are touted to have a number of potential health benefits, including improved mood and heart health. Combined with the antioxidant-rich courgette flowers,courgettes, and onion, this soup manages to be both light and nourishing, while staying true to the comfort food ethos that is a cornerstone of every Southern recipe.
This fragrant soup brings to mind the similarly exquisite Saffron Rice and would be a perfect complement to a hearty Garlic Butter Chicken. Whether as a starter or a main dish, this versatile soup is destined to impress your guests and satisfy your delighted palate.
In my culinary journey to champion Afro-Southern fusion, creating dishes like Courgette Flower and Saffron Soup has become a testament to how beautifully diverse flavors can meld together, and create a rich and fulfilling dining experience.
What You’ll Need
- 12 fresh courgette flowers
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds courgettes (also known as zucchini), diced
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- Pinch of saffron threads
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your courgette flowers. Carefully remove the stamens from the insides, then rinse the flowers under cool water to remove any debris. Pat dry and set aside.
Step Two
Place a large pot on medium heat. Add the olive oil, once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Add the diced courgettes to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic, and cook until the courgettes begin to soften.
Step Four
Pour the vegetable stock into the pot and stir in the saffron threads. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the courgettes are fully cooked through.
Step Five
While the soup is simmering, coarsely chop the courgette flowers and add them to the pot. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step Six
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot until it is smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a standard blender in batches to puree it. Be careful while handling hot soup and ensure the lid is secure on your blender.
Step Seven
Before serving the soup, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and finely chopped fresh mint leaves. The lemon juice will brighten the flavors in the soup, while the mint will add a refreshing note.
Step Eight
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. If desired, garnish with a bit of extra mint or a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy your Courgette Flower and Saffron Soup!
