Iced Cucumber Soup.

Chill Out This Summer with a Refreshing Iced Cucumber Soup Recipe

As the summer sun blazes down, nothing beats a cool, refreshing dish to help you stay comfortable. Iced cucumber soup is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that not only hydrates your body but also tantalizes your taste buds. This chilled soup is perfect for those hot days when you want something light yet satisfying, making it an ideal summer meal.

In this article, we’ll dive into a simple yet delicious recipe for iced cucumber soup, along with some tips and variations to elevate your experience. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

A refreshing bowl of iced cucumber soup garnished with parsley

Ingredients You'll Need

To whip up this refreshing iced cucumber soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber (about 300g)

• 275g natural yogurt

• 1 small green pepper, deseeded and diced

• 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

• 2 tbsp wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp chopped chives

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 300ml milk

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

  
  

These ingredients are not only easy to find but also rich in nutrients. For example, cucumbers are 95% water, making them a fantastic choice for hydration in the summer. A serving of natural yogurt provides around 12% of your daily calcium needs, contributing to bone health.

Preparing the Cucumber

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the cucumber. Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly to remove dirt or pesticides. Once clean, peel the cucumber if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skin on for added nutrients and a bit of crunch.

Next, grate the cucumber into smaller pieces to make blending easier. This will help you achieve the silky-smooth consistency that makes iced cucumber soup so delightful.

Blending the Ingredients

Now that your cucumber is prepped, it’s time to blend! In a blender, combine the chopped cucumber, natural yogurt, diced green pepper, crushed garlic, wine vinegar, chives, and milk.

Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth—this should take about 30 seconds. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse the blender a few times instead of blending continuously.

Be sure to season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. This simple addition enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients and elevates the overall dish.

Chilling the Soup

Once your soup is blended to perfection, transfer it to a bowl or container and cover it. Place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to chill. Chilling is essential, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

If you're short on time, you can also place the soup in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. Just remember to stir it occasionally to prevent it from freezing solid.

Serving Suggestions

When you’re ready to serve, give the soup a good stir. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavor.

This iced cucumber soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad, making it a versatile dish for any summer gathering. You can also serve it as a refreshing appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch on a hot day.

Variations to Try

While the classic iced cucumber soup is delightful on its own, here are a couple of variations you might consider to suit your taste:

• Add Avocado: For a creamier texture, blend in half an avocado, which also adds healthy fats.

• Spice it Up: If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the blender for a kick.

  
  

You can experiment with various herbs like dill or mint for a unique flavor profile. These herbs complement cucumber beautifully and offer a refreshing twist.

Nutritional Benefits

Iced cucumber soup is not just refreshing; it is also packed with health benefits. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content—about 16 calories per 100g—making them excellent for hydration. They also contain antioxidants that promote skin health.

Natural yogurt provides probiotics essential for gut health, while the green pepper is a vitamin C powerhouse, delivering about 120% of the daily recommended intake in just one small pepper. This soup is a superb way to up your vegetable intake, particularly during the summer months when fresh produce is abundant.

Enjoy Your Summer Soup Adventure!

Iced cucumber soup is the perfect dish to keep you cool this summer. With its refreshing flavors and easy preparation, it’s a great addition to any meal or gathering. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your variations, this soup is sure to impress family and friends.

The next time the heat becomes unbearable, whip up a batch of this delightful iced cucumber soup and savor a taste of summer in every spoonful. Happy cooking!