A cup of this soup is delicious, served hot or cold. Try packing it in a thermos for a light picnic lunch. To chill quickly, place the soup in a bowl and set that bowl into an ice-water bath. Stir frequently until cool.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　1 tablespoon olive oil

　　1 medium onion, chopped

　　Coarse salt

　　2 garlic cloves, minced

　　2 teaspoons curry powder

　　1 1/2 pounds zucchini (about 3 medium), sliced 1 inch thick

　　1 baking potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

　　1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and 1 tablespoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and curry powder; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

　　

Step 2

Add the zucchini, potato, and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat, and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

　　

Step 3

In batches, purée the soup in a blender (do not fill more than halfway) until smooth; serve immediately, or let cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container until chilled. Garnish with the toasted almonds.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.