Zucca zuppa (Italian pumpkin soup) is a great recipe for Fall. The word “zucca” means pumpkin or squash in Italian and “zuppa” means soup. Other names for this soup are zuppa alla zucca, zucca di zuppa and zuppa de zucca. Surprisingly enough, most pumpkin soup recipes do not use actual pumpkin. Most “pumpkin” soup recipes actually butternut squash or other types of squash. This recipes calls for butternut squash which is available year round but you can also substitute other types of squash (see notes in blog post).
Ingredients for Zucca Zuppa (Zucca di Zuppa)
- Butternut squash: Butternut squash is one of the most common types of squash because it has a great sweet flavor that can also work in savory dishes and it is available year round. Delicata squash or kabocha squash will also work in his recipe. Kabocha squash is definitely on the sweeter side.
- Salt and pepper: You may want to add more than the amount specified in the recipe but make sure to try the soup first during the simmer process before adding.
- Onion: Use white or yellow onions.
- Carrot: Carrot adds some sweetness to this soup and also add to the color since most squash is actually yellow instead orange like a pumpkin.
- Turmeric: This ingredient is optional but helps to add to the lovely color of this soup.
- Bay leaf: Large or small is fine.
- Garlic: Garlic cloves add a good flavor element to balance out the sweetness.
- Milk: Regular whole milk works in this soup and keeps it a little healthier. You can substitute heavy cream of half and half to add a great creaminess, especially if you are making this soup for a dinner party. Coconut milk is a great vegan substitute and adds to the sweetness. If you are using coconut milk, definitely try to the soup before adding any extra maple syrup or honey.
How to make Zuppa Zucca (Zucca di Zuppa)
Add oil and bay leaf to the pot and turn on heat to medium high. Once oil is hot add the onions, carrots and garlic cloves.
Saute for about five minutes then add the butternut squash and saute for about ten minutes.
Add the contents of the pot to the Vitamix and add the water. Start at Variable 1-2 and blend thoroughly, gradually moving to higher numbers. Make sure to take time blending to make sure the soup has a smooth texture. After you get to the higher variable level, switch to high level 1-2 for a about 30 seconds.
Add the contents of the Vitamix back to pot and add the milk.
Add the salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil and lower heat to simmer.
Cover and cook for about ten minutes. Lift cover to stir a few times. Taste and add any maple syrup or honey if desired.
Serving Suggestions for the Zucca di Zuppa
Zucca con Zuppa is a great lunch with bread on the side. You can also serve Zucca Zuppa this as a side dish appetizer for a Fall dinner party. For a light anytime dinner, serve with bread and salad. This soup would serve as a good side for an Italian dish dinner. Serve with our Zucchini Parmigiana for a light meal or add pasta to make it a complete meal.
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Looking for a butternut squash soup with a twist, try our Curried Butternut Squash Soup.
Zucca Zuppa | Zucca di Zuppa | Zuppa alla Zucca
Equipment
- 1 Large soup pot
- 1 Vitamix or similar blender
Ingredients
- 10 oz. Butternut squash Approximately two cups of squash. See blog post for types of squash to substitute.
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 2 cups Milk Or a 13.5 oz. can of coconut milk or 2 cups of plant-based milk.
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1 Carrot
- 1/2 Medium Onion
Instructions
- Add oil and bay leaf to the pot and turn on heat to medium to low.
- Once oil is hot, add the onions, carrots and garlic cloves.
- Saute for about five minutes.
- Add the butternut squash and saute for about ten minutes.
- Add the contents of the pot to the Vitamix and add the water.
- Start at Variable 1-2 and blend thoroughly, gradually moving to higher numbers. Make sure to take time blending to make sure the soup has a smooth texture. After you get to the higher variable level, switch to high level 1-2 for a about 30 seconds.
- Add the contents of the Vitamix back to the pot and turn on heat to high. Add the milk, salt and pepper. Add the turmeric if using.
- Bring to a boil and lower heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for about ten minutes, lifting lid to stir a few times. Taste while simmering to add any additional salt, pepper, maple syrup or honey.