Chilled Cucumber Soup is the perfect way to beat the summer heat while enjoying a refreshing, light meal. This recipe combines cool cucumbers with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, creating a vibrant dish that's both nutritious and delicious.
Start by peeling and seeding your cucumbers. You want to get rid of the seeds to ensure the smoothest texture. Once that's done, chop them into manageable chunks.
Next, grab your blender. Add the cucumber chunks, Greek yogurt, dill, mint leaves, minced garlic, and lemon juice into the blender. Blend these ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency.
With the blender still running, slowly pour in the olive oil. This step will help emulsify the soup, giving it a silky texture. Keep blending until everything is well combined.
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in, so start small and adjust as needed.
Transfer the soup to a large bowl or container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together.
When you're ready to serve, give it a quick stir and pour it into bowls. Garnish with additional dill or mint if you like a bit of extra freshness.
This chilled cucumber soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Cucumbers: These are the star of the show, offering hydration and a mild, refreshing taste. Make sure to peel and seed them for the best texture.
Greek yogurt: This adds a creamy texture and a bit of tanginess, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Fresh dill: Dill brings a unique aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with cucumbers.
Mint leaves: Mint adds a fresh, cooling element, enhancing the soup's refreshing qualities.
Garlic: Provides a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Lemon juice: The acidity from the lemon juice brightens the soup and ties the flavors together.
Olive oil: Adds a smooth, rich finish to the soup, enhancing its overall mouthfeel.