Chilled Zucchini Soup

1/4 lb shallots, thinly sliced crosswise (1 cup)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lb zucchini (3 to 4 medium), peeled chopped
2 (2- by 1 1/2-inch) strips fresh lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 3/4 cups chicken broth (14 fl oz)
1 3/4 cups water
1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk or plain yogurt


1. Cook shallots in oil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add zucchini, zest, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth and water and simmer until zucchini is tender, about 3 minutes.

3. Purée zucchini mixture, including zest, along with parsley and dill in a blender (in 2 batches if necessary) until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Transfer to a metal bowl, then set bowl into a larger bowl of ice and cold water (to quick-chill). Cool, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.

4. Stir in buttermilk and season with salt.


Recipe from epicurious, found here