Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise

Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Côte d'Ivoire

Region / culture: Côte d'Ivoire | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise is a delicious and creamy avocado soup that originates from Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire. This refreshing soup is perfect for a hot summer day or as a light and healthy appetizer.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Abidjan, where avocados are abundant and a staple in the local cuisine. The creamy texture of the avocados combined with the tangy lime juice and spicy Tabasco sauce creates a unique and flavorful soup that is loved by many.

Ingredients

2 very ripe avocados
4 cups cold chicken or vegetable stock
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp plain yoghurt
2 hefty dashes of tabasco sauce
salt and black pepper
garnish: 4 paper-thin slices of lime and tabasco sauce

How to prepare

Place the avocado flesh into a blender and blend until smooth.
Add the stock and continue blending until the mixture is smooth.
Incorporate the lime juice, yoghurt, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper into the mixture.
Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour.
When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish each with a thin lime slice, and sprinkle a bit of Tabasco sauce over each portion.

Variations

For a vegan version of this soup, you can omit the plain yoghurt or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also add in additional ingredients such as diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onions for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use very ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture in this soup. Blending the avocados with cold vegetable stock helps to create a smooth and creamy consistency. Refrigerating the soup before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup chilled with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It can also be garnished with additional lime slices or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the avocados with cold vegetable stock helps to create a smooth and creamy consistency in this soup. Refrigerating the soup before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vegetable stock on hand, you can use chicken stock or water as a substitute. You can also adjust the amount of lime juice and Tabasco sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply give it a quick stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of soup with a thin lime slice and a sprinkle of Tabasco sauce for a pop of color and flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil or add a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also goes well with a light and refreshing salad or grilled seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a saucepan and heat over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise contains around 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Avocados are a rich source of healthy fats, with each serving of this soup providing around 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

This soup is not a significant source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 2 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocados are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium. This soup is a great way to incorporate these nutrients into your diet.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of plain yoghurt, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, this soup is a nutritious and delicious option for a light meal or appetizer. It is rich in healthy fats and vitamins, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise is a creamy and flavorful avocado soup that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its rich source of healthy fats and vitamins, this soup is a nutritious and delicious option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered the recipe for Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise. It was during my travels in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, many years ago. The vibrant streets were filled with the aroma of exotic spices and fresh produce, and I was instantly captivated by the colorful markets and the bustling food stalls.

One afternoon, I stumbled upon a small, hidden gem of a restaurant tucked away in a quiet alleyway. The owner, a lovely woman named Amina, welcomed me with a warm smile and invited me to try her signature dish – Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise. Intrigued by the name, I eagerly agreed.

As I took my first spoonful of the creamy avocado soup, I was transported to a culinary paradise. The flavors of ripe avocados, tangy lime, and spicy peppers danced on my taste buds, creating a harmonious symphony of taste. I was instantly hooked and knew that I had to learn the secret behind this delectable dish.

Over the course of the next few days, I visited Amina's restaurant every day, watching in awe as she expertly prepared the soup with precision and skill. She graciously shared her recipe with me, explaining each step in detail and emphasizing the importance of using only the freshest ingredients.

I jotted down notes feverishly, making sure not to miss a single detail. Amina's passion for cooking was contagious, and I found myself falling in love with the art of creating delicious meals that not only delighted the palate but also warmed the soul.

After my time in Abidjan came to an end, I returned home with a newfound appreciation for Ivorian cuisine and a burning desire to recreate Amina's Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise in my own kitchen. Armed with my trusty notebook and a bag full of avocados, I set to work.

The first attempt at making the soup was a disaster. I had underestimated the importance of balancing the flavors and textures, and the end result was a bland, lumpy mess. Undeterred, I persevered, tweaking the recipe here and there until I finally achieved the perfect blend of creaminess and spice.

As I stirred the pot of simmering soup, the familiar scent of avocados and lime filled the air, transporting me back to Amina's cozy restaurant in Abidjan. I could almost hear the sounds of the bustling market outside and feel the warm tropical breeze on my skin.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a drizzle of coconut milk and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. As I took my first spoonful, I closed my eyes and savored the familiar flavors that had captured my heart in Côte d'Ivoire.

Since then, Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that never fails to bring back memories of my culinary adventures in Abidjan. Every time I make it, I am reminded of Amina's generosity and passion for cooking, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share her recipe with my loved ones.

Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with different cultures and people, and the recipe for Soupe d'Avocat Abidjanaise is a testament to the power of food to transcend boundaries and bring us closer together. As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of the creamy avocado soup, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me as a cook and as a person. And I can't help but smile, knowing that the love and passion I put into my cooking will always shine through in every dish I create.