Chilled Cucumber Soup
Chilled Cucumber Soup Recipe | Vegetarian Soup from England
Introduction
Chilled cucumber soup is a refreshing and light dish perfect for hot summer days. This soup is easy to make and requires minimal cooking, making it a great option for a quick and healthy meal.
History
Cucumber soup has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The combination of cucumbers, yogurt, and herbs is a classic one that has stood the test of time. This chilled version of the soup is particularly popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Ingredients
- 1 large english cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh dill
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 4 cups plain low- or nonfat yogurt
- 2 scallions, trimmed and chopped (white part only)
- salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- lemon slices and dill sprigs, for garnish
How to prepare
- Combine the ingredients in a blender and blend until the mixture is fairly smooth.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
- Cover the mixture tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Garnish with dill sprigs and lemon slices before serving.
Variations
- Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the blender for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for the plain yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Top the soup with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to peel and seed the cucumber before chopping it to ensure a smooth texture in the soup.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and dill to suit your personal taste preferences.
- For a creamier soup, you can use full-fat yogurt instead of low- or nonfat yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chilled cucumber soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It can also be served as a refreshing appetizer before a main course.
Cooking Techniques
Blending
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have vegetable stock, you can use chicken or beef broth as a substitute.
- Fresh dill can be replaced with dried dill, but use half the amount called for in the recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chopped dill, and a lemon wedge for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This chilled cucumber soup pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple pasta dish. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and heat gently over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 80 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 12g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 1g per serving
Saturated Fat: 0g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 6g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 10% of the recommended daily intake per serving
- Calcium: 20% of the recommended daily intake per serving
Alergens
Contains dairy (yogurt)
Summary
This chilled cucumber soup is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for a light meal or snack. It is also a good source of protein and calcium.
Summary
Chilled cucumber soup is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for hot summer days. With minimal cooking required, this soup is easy to make and can be customized with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a healthy meal or snack, and impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned home from a long day at the market. As I was unpacking my groceries, I came across a small, tattered notebook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. Inside, between the pages yellowed with age, was a recipe for Chilled Cucumber Soup.
I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about the simplicity of the ingredients and the refreshing nature of the soup sparked my curiosity. I decided then and there that I would make it for dinner that night.
As I gathered the necessary ingredients – cucumbers, yogurt, dill, garlic, and lemon – I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood and how I had learned to cook. My mother had been a wonderful cook, and she had passed down many recipes to me over the years. But this recipe for Chilled Cucumber Soup was different. It wasn't something that had been handed down through the generations. It was something new and exciting, and I couldn't wait to try it out.
As I chopped the cucumbers and minced the garlic, I thought about the different ways I had learned to cook over the years. Some recipes had come from cookbooks, others from friends or neighbors, and still others from my own experimentation in the kitchen. But this recipe felt different. It felt special, like it was meant just for me.
As the soup chilled in the refrigerator, I sat down at the kitchen table and took a sip. The cool, creamy texture was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The tanginess of the yogurt combined with the freshness of the cucumbers and the hint of dill was simply divine. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.
Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. Some have added extra garlic or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat, while others have substituted Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. But no matter how it's made, the Chilled Cucumber Soup always brings a smile to the faces of those who taste it.
As I look back on that warm summer day when I first discovered this recipe, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a cook. Each new recipe I try, each new ingredient I experiment with, helps me to expand my culinary horizons and become a better cook. And for that, I am truly thankful.
So the next time you're looking for a cool and refreshing dish to serve on a hot summer day, why not give my recipe for Chilled Cucumber Soup a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe you'll discover a new favorite recipe that will become a cherished tradition in your own family for years to come.
Categories
| Cucumber Soup Recipes | Dill Recipes | English Cucumber Recipes | English Recipes | Vegetable Stock And Broth Recipes | Vegetarian Soup Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |