Soupe de Courgettes (French Courgette Soup)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 800g courgettes, trimmed and sliced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 900ml vegetable stock
• Small handful fresh basil leaves, plus extra to serve
• 3 tbsp crème fraîche, plus extra to serve
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add the courgettes and potato and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until they begin to soften.

3. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until the potato is tender.

4. Add the basil and blend until smooth. Stir in the crème fraîche and season to taste.

5. Reheat gently without boiling, then serve with a dollop of crème fraîche and a few torn basil leaves.