Chilled Cucumber Soup: A Cool and Dreamy Summer Starter
This chilled cucumber soup is cold, quick, and doesn’t ask much of you. You blend a few things, stick it in the fridge, and you’re done. This dish is for the days when you want simple, refreshing flavours. There is no drama, no garnish towers, just cold, clean flavour in a bowl.
Ingredients
Cucumbers: The main ingredient in this soup. Any type of cucumber will do, but Persian cucumbers are especially delicious for this recipe.
Yogurt or Buttermilk: Allows the soup to have a creamy texture and flavour beyond just cucumber and lemon. Both yogurt and buttermilk will allow for the correct texture; pick both or whichever you prefer.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Creates richness and is a great garnisher.
Fresh herbs: Herbs like dill, basil, mint, or thyme are great additions to this soup, as they add depth to the base of the dish.
Lemon juice: Just a couple of dashes of lemon will make the soup bright and tangy.
Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic provides a sharpness to this soup.
Honey: Without making the soup sweet, the honey creates a balance between the tangy lemon and the bite of the garlic and herbs.
Salt and pepper: To enhance all the flavours and give it that pop.
Steps to make Chilled Cucumber Soup
Step 1: Prep Your Cucumbers
Wash them under cold water, pat dry with a paper towel, peel if you like, then roughly chop or slice them.
Step 2: Blend It
Toss the chopped cucumber into a blender with the yogurt (or buttermilk), lemon juice, garlic, herbs, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of pepper. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Chill It
Pour the soup into a bowl or container. Stick it in the fridge for at least an hour. It tastes better when it’s really cold and has had a little time to settle.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, give it a quick stir and a taste. You might want more salt, lemon, or herbs. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or extra buttermilk.
Ways to Switch It Up
Love this dish, but want to add a new flavour? Try one of these:
- Add fresh mint for a sharper, cooler flavour.
- Use both yogurt and buttermilk for a lighter texture.
- Throw in a chunk of avocado to make it creamier.
- Top with sliced radishes or cucumber for crunch.
- Drizzle with olive oil if you’re feeling fancy.
You can also serve it with toast, cold grilled shrimp, or a handful of nuts for a little more substance. But honestly, it’s solid on its own.
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