Frugal Feasts: What to do with all that zucchini?

I wrote a few weeks ago about seeking summer squash and zucchini recipes from readers. (Click HERE to read their comments.) This is a scenario where going to the farmers market is a better bargain. Grocery stores are charging $1.79-$1.99 a pound for zucchini but you can get it at the farmers market for 75 cents a pound. Or if you have a garden or have neighbors who garden, you may be inundated with squash right now.

My mother sent me a recipe last year for Curried Zucchini Soup, which you can serve either hot or cold. It is a nice easy meal on a summer day. If you have more squash or zucchini recipes, please share them below. It only costs 93 cents per serving.

Curried Zucchini Soup

• 1 stick margarine or butter
• 1 1/2 zucchini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 1 1/2 teaspoon curry, or more as needed
• 1 cup half and half or fat-free artificial creamer
• 20 ounces chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

WASH zucchini, remove ends and slice in 1/4-inch rounds.

MELT margarine or butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, garlic, sliced onion and curry and saute until tender.

PULSE in food processor. Return to pot and add half-and-half, chicken broth and salt and pepper. Add more curry if needed and simmer for a few minutes.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Cost breakdown:

Zucchini, 75 cents a pound, Cost for meal: $1

Butter, $2.27 for pound, Cost for meal: 58 cents

Garlic, 50 cents for head, Cost for meal: 8 cents

Onions, $2.99 for 3-pound bag, Cost for meal: 50 cents

Curry, 44.99 for 1.75 ounces, Cost for meal: $1.43

Half and Half, $2.27 for quart, Cost for meal: 57 cents

Chicken broth, $2.29 for 32 ounces, Cost for meal: $1.43

Cost for meal: $5.59

Cost per serving: 93 cents