Avocado Cilantro Soup
Avocado Cilantro Soup Recipe from Mexico
Introduction
The Avocado Cilantro Soup is a refreshing and creamy delight, perfect for those warm summer days or as a light appetizer for any meal. This recipe combines the rich, buttery flavor of avocado with the fresh, zesty taste of cilantro and lime, creating a unique and delicious soup that's both satisfying and healthy. Whether you're an avocado lover or just looking for a new soup recipe to try, this Avocado Cilantro Soup is sure to impress.
History
The origins of Avocado Cilantro Soup can be traced back to the culinary traditions of Central and South America, where avocados are native and have been a staple ingredient for thousands of years. The combination of avocado with cilantro, lime, and other fresh ingredients reflects the vibrant flavors and healthy eating habits of these cultures. Over time, this soup has gained popularity worldwide, with various adaptations making it a beloved dish among many.
Ingredients
- 8 medium scallions
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 4 oz (113 g) peeled avocado
- 1.5 cup plain non-fat yogurt
- 0.5 cup skim buttermilk
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 0.5 tsp curry powder
- 0.13 tsp ground red pepper
How to prepare
- In a food processor, combine scallions, cilantro, and garlic. Process until finely chopped.
- Add avocado and process until smooth.
- Add yogurt, buttermilk, 0.25 cup of water, lime juice, curry powder, and red pepper to the food processor. Process until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until well chilled.
Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute the yogurt and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt and buttermilk. Adding diced tomatoes or cucumber can introduce a refreshing texture and flavor contrast.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
For the best flavor and texture, use ripe avocados that are just soft to the touch. To enhance the soup's creaminess, ensure all ingredients are well blended until smooth. Chilling the soup for at least an hour before serving is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. For a smoother consistency, you can strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup chilled, garnished with additional cilantro leaves, diced avocado, and a drizzle of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of whole-grain bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
The key technique in this recipe is blending the ingredients to a smooth consistency. For those without a food processor, a high-powered blender can work just as effectively to achieve the desired creamy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If cilantro isn't to your taste, fresh parsley or basil can be used as a substitute. Lemon juice can replace lime juice for a different citrus note. For those looking to avoid dairy, coconut milk can be a creamy alternative to yogurt and buttermilk.
Make Ahead Tips
This soup is perfect for making ahead of time, as chilling it enhances its flavors. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the soup in chilled bowls, garnished with a swirl of yogurt, a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat, and a few cilantro leaves. A lime wedge on the side adds a decorative touch and allows guests to adjust the acidity to their liking.
Pairing Recommendations
This soup pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost. For a vegetarian option, a quinoa salad with vegetables makes a hearty and healthy accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This soup is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as separation may occur.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of this delightful soup contains approximately 180 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option that can fit into various dietary plans.
Carbohydrates
This Avocado Cilantro Soup is relatively low in carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 12 grams of carbs. The majority of these carbs come from the natural sugars present in the ingredients, making it a healthy option for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.
Fats
Thanks to the avocado, this soup is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is known for its heart-healthy benefits. Each serving contains about 15 grams of fat, most of which are these beneficial fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Avocado Cilantro Soup provides around 5 grams of protein, primarily from the yogurt and buttermilk. While not high in protein, it can be paired with a protein-rich side dish for a balanced meal.
Vitamins and minerals
Avocado Cilantro Soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin K, Vitamin C, potassium, and folate. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including immune system health, blood clotting, and heart health.
Alergens
This recipe is free from most common allergens, including gluten, nuts, and shellfish. However, those with dairy sensitivities should be aware of the yogurt and buttermilk content.
Summary
Overall, Avocado Cilantro Soup is a nutritious and balanced dish, offering a good mix of healthy fats, moderate protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, all while being relatively low in calories and carbohydrates.
Summary
The Avocado Cilantro Soup is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and healthful ingredients, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you're enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it as an elegant starter, this soup is a delightful way to incorporate the goodness of avocados into your diet.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Avocado Cilantro Soup. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through a magazine at a quaint little cafe in the countryside. As soon as I laid eyes on the vibrant green soup, I knew I had to try making it myself.
The combination of creamy avocado and fresh cilantro seemed like the perfect pairing for a light and refreshing summer soup. I quickly tore out the page from the magazine and tucked it into my purse, eager to get home and start cooking.
When I arrived back at my cozy little kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients I would need to make the soup. I had ripe avocados, fragrant cilantro, tangy limes, and rich chicken broth. As I chopped and blended and stirred, the kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of fresh herbs and citrus.
As the soup simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to all the other recipes I had learned over the years. Each one had a story behind it, a memory attached to it that made it special to me. This Avocado Cilantro Soup would surely become one of those recipes, a new addition to my culinary repertoire.
I thought back to my own beloved grandmother, who had taught me so much about cooking. She had a knack for taking simple ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary. I could still remember the way she would hum as she cooked, her hands moving deftly around the kitchen.
One of my favorite memories was the day she taught me how to make her famous chicken noodle soup. I had been just a young girl at the time, but I can still recall the way the savory broth warmed me from the inside out. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, and now it was a staple in my own kitchen.
As I stirred the Avocado Cilantro Soup, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I had spent years collecting recipes from various places and people, each one adding to my culinary repertoire. From my grandmother's traditional dishes to the exotic flavors I had discovered in my travels, each recipe held a special place in my heart.
The soup was finally ready, and I ladled it into bowls, garnishing each one with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. As I sat down at the table to enjoy my creation, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Cooking had always been a source of joy for me, a way to express my creativity and share love with those around me.
I took a spoonful of the soup and savored the creamy texture, the bright flavors dancing on my taste buds. It was a dish that embodied everything I loved about cooking - simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delicious.
As I finished my bowl of Avocado Cilantro Soup, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my collection. It was a dish that reminded me of the joy of discovery, of trying new things and expanding my culinary horizons.
And as I sat there, surrounded by the warmth of my kitchen and the memories of meals shared with loved ones, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking. It was a gift that had been passed down through generations, and one that I would continue to cherish for years to come.
Categories
| Avocado Recipes | Buttermilk Recipes | Cilantro Recipes | Curry Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Low-calorie Recipes | Mexican Recipes | Soup Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |