Zucchini Basil Soup
Equipment: an adjustable-blade slicer fitted with 1/8-inch julienne attachment

Ingredients

1. • 2 pounds zucchini, trimmed and cut crosswise into thirds
   • 3/4 cup chopped onion
     
   • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
   • 1/4 cup olive oil
   • 4 cups water or broth, divided
     
   • 1/3 cup packed basil leaves
     

Preparation

1. 1. Julienne skin (only) from half of zucchini with slicer; toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and drain in a sieve until wilted, at least 20 minutes. Coarsely chop remaining zucchini.
      
   2. Cook onion and garlic in oil in a 3- to 4-quarts heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add chopped zucchini and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add 3 cups water and simmer, partially covered, until tender, about 15 minutes. Purée soup with basil in 2 batches in a blender (use caution when blending hot liquids).
   3. Bring remaining cup water to a boil in a small saucepan and blanch julienned zucchini 1 minute. Drain in a sieve set over a bowl (use liquid to thin soup if necessary).
   4. Season soup with salt and pepper. Serve in shallow bowls with julienned zucchini mounded on top.