Cool Cucumber Soup
Cool Cucumber Soup with Walnuts, Fennel, and Yogurt Recipe
Introduction
Cool cucumber soup is a refreshing and light dish perfect for hot summer days. This chilled soup is easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors.
History
Cucumber soup has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. It is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where cucumbers are a popular ingredient in many dishes.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Peel the cucumbers, then blend them in a food processor along with all the remaining ingredients except for the oil.
- Slowly add the oil while continuing to blend.
- Chill the mixture for 2 hours and garnish with dill before serving.
Variations
- Add mint or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for added richness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to peel the cucumbers before blending to achieve a smooth texture.
- Adjust the amount of yogurt to your liking for a thicker or thinner consistency.
- For added flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cucumber soup chilled in individual bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh dill.
Cooking Techniques
Blending the ingredients together creates a smooth and creamy texture for the soup.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have walnuts, you can use almonds or cashews instead.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the soup ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the soup in chilled bowls for an extra refreshing touch. You can also drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top for a decorative finish.
Pairing Recommendations
Cool cucumber soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light and refreshing beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 150 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 12g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 10g per serving
Saturated Fat: 2g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 6g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This soup is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and nuts (walnuts).
Summary
Cool cucumber soup is a low-calorie dish that is high in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for a light meal or appetizer.
Summary
Cool cucumber soup is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for summer. With its fresh flavors and creamy texture, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I will always cherish. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. One hot summer day, my mother took me to visit our neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known for her delicious cooking.
As soon as we walked into Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, the refreshing aroma of fresh cucumbers filled the air. I watched in awe as she effortlessly peeled and chopped the cucumbers, blending them with yogurt, dill, and a hint of garlic. The result was a creamy and cool cucumber soup that was perfect for the sweltering heat.
Mrs. Jenkins noticed my fascination with the soup and kindly offered to teach me how to make it. She explained that the key to a good cucumber soup was using the freshest ingredients possible. She showed me how to pick the ripest cucumbers from the garden and how to select the creamiest yogurt from the local dairy farm.
As I followed her instructions, I realized that cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about using your senses and intuition to create something truly special. Mrs. Jenkins encouraged me to taste and adjust the seasoning until the soup was just right, teaching me that cooking was an art form that required creativity and passion.
After hours of chopping, blending, and tasting, the cool cucumber soup was finally ready. Mrs. Jenkins poured us each a bowl and we sat down to enjoy our creation. The soup was refreshing and light, with a subtle tanginess from the yogurt and a burst of freshness from the dill. It was the perfect dish for a hot summer day, and I knew that I had discovered a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen.
As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe for cool cucumber soup, adding my own twist with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh mint. I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of making this delicious soup with love and care.
To this day, whenever I make cool cucumber soup, I am reminded of that special day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen. I am grateful for her kindness and generosity in sharing her recipe with me, and for inspiring me to become the cook that I am today.
In a world where recipes are often passed down through generations, I am proud to have my own version of cool cucumber soup that I can share with my loved ones. It is a dish that brings people together, evoking memories of summers past and the joy of creating something delicious from simple ingredients.
So the next time you find yourself with an abundance of cucumbers and a craving for something light and refreshing, I urge you to give this recipe for cool cucumber soup a try. Who knows, maybe it will become a happy memory for you too.