Join KindChef Alexa to make a Basil Zucchini Soup (based on this recipe from Love & Lemons). After completing your soup, freeze and label it for donation, then drop off at one of our participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or anyplace that you prefer, when convenient. Finally, report on where you shared your KindSoup and spread the word: Post a picture or two of you and your soups on social media with #DoKindWorks and tag us @DoKindWorks.
Basil Zucchini Soup
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups sliced leeks (the tender white and light green parts only)
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 8 small zucchini, chopped + a few strands of spiralized or julienned zucchini for garnish
- 1 cup hemp seeds (can replace with Flax or Chia seeds)
- juice of 2 lemons, more to taste
- 2 Tablespoons miso paste
- 4 cups water, more as needed for consistency
- 2 cups packed fresh basil
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 cups cubed sourdough bread
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Slice the white and light green parts of the leek into rings. Rinse well, drain, and let dry.
- Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until very soft, 5 to 8 minutes. Taste one, the leeks should be a bit translucent and should not have a bitter taste. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from the heat.
- In a blender, combine the leek mixture with the zucchini, hemp seeds, lemon juice, miso, water and a few grinds of pepper and blend until smooth. Add the basil and blend again. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more lemon for brightness and salt to taste. Add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Make the garlic croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On the baking sheet, toss the croutons with the garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake until crisp, about 8 minutes.
- Serve the soup at room temperature, or lightly chilled, with the garlic croutons and a drizzle of olive oil.
Health and Safety Information
In order to protect the the quality of our KindSoup program, we ask that volunteers conscientiously observe the following guidelines:
- Start with clean hands and wash again frequently as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Start with clean kitchen surfaces and utensils (antibacterial wipes do a great job).
- Keep longer hair tied back.
- Follow other common sense procedures, such as never returning a tasting spoon to the pot!
Thank you for maintaining a high cleanliness standard for our KindSoup donations!
How to Donate Your KindSoup
Seal containers with a tight lid and freeze. Label each container with: date prepared, your first name and last initial, “Basil Zucchini Soup” and any relevant food allergy info. When convenient, drop containers of frozen soup off at one of the following participating food assistance providers, with a person or family that is in your heart, or a place that you prefer.
- Rainbow Community Development Center 12120 Tech Road, Silver Spring (this takes you to the rear parking lot and loading dock – there is usually a large RAINBOW truck parked here): Drop-off Monday-Friday 10am-1pm.
- Upcounty Consolidation Hub 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown (supporting 1,000 families with food and other supports): Drop off Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays 9-11 am.
- Goods for Good 5830 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015: Drop-off Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.
- Embry Rucker Shelter 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, 703-437-1975. (Leave donations on the table around the back): Drop off anytime!
- Cordell Place 4715 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD, 240-316-5994. (Please knock on the main door and let staff know you are a KindWorks volunteer delivering soup, casserole, and/or banana bread. If no staff member is available, call 240-316-5994 for assistance. Street parking is available; if parking is limited, call ahead to arrange a curbside handoff with a staff member): Drop off anytime—the center is staffed 24/7.
Here are some options for donating outside the DC area:
- NYC Community Fridges located throughout New York City.
- Bread and Roses 58 Newbury St., Lawrence, Mass., 978-681-8768. Drop off Mondays-Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm.
- The Bristol Lodge 27 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass., 781-893-0108. Drop off Mondays-Fridays, 9am-6pm.
- Community Refrigerators located in Los Angeles
See you in the KindSoup kitchen!
Learn more about this KindWorks program
