Summer is here, and with it comes the need for refreshing and hydrating food. But who says you have to sacrifice taste for health? Chilled soups are the answer to your summer cravings. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for lazy summer days. So, get ready to indulge in the ultimate chilled soup recipes that will keep you cool and satisfied. Let’s see how to make 5 popular cold soups.
Cold soups are soups that are served cold or chilled. They are generally made from raw ingredients like vegetables, fruits, herbs and curd. Unlike traditional hot soups, cold soups are neither cooked nor heated. They are usually blended or pureed to create a smooth and creamy texture.
they are a great way stay hydrated on hot summer days. They are mostly made of water-rich ingredients like fruits and vegetables, which help in keeping your body hydrated. They are packed with nutrients and are easier to digest than hot soups because they are not cooked or heated. They are also often made with ingredients like cucumber and ginger that promote healthy digestion. Cold soups are generally low in calories, which makes them an excellent choice for weight loss or management.
Learn how to make cold soup
1. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a cold soup that originated in Spain. It is made from raw vegetables like tomato, cucumber, chilli, onion, garlic and bread, which are mashed together to make a smooth and creamy texture.
Component:
* 8-10 ripe tomatoes
* 1 cucumber
* 1 red bell pepper
* 1 small red onion
* 2 garlic cloves
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instruction:
1. Coarsely chop the tomato, cucumber, red capsicum and red onion and put them in a blender. Add garlic cloves, olive oil and red wine vinegar to the blender as well.
2. Blend until smooth, then add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Before serving, keep the soup in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Watermelon Gazpacho
A more refreshing version of traditional gazpacho, this Watermelon Cold Soup is a sweet and refreshing soup made with watermelon, lime juice and mint and is perfect to beat the heat.
Component:
* 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
* 1 small cucumber
* 1 small red onion
* 1 small red bell pepper
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instruction:
1. Put watermelon, cucumber, red onion, red bell pepper, mint leaves, olive oil and red wine vinegar in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth, then add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Refrigerate the soup for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Read also: Is the Watermelon Diet the Juiciest Way to Lose Weight?
3. Cucumber and Avocado Soup
There is nothing more refreshing and cooling in summer than eating cucumbers. This is a refreshing soup made with cucumber, yogurt and avocado that make a creamy soup.
Component:
* 2 cucumbers
* 2 avocados
* 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
* 2 garlic cloves
* 2 tbsp lemon juice
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instruction:
1. Peel and chop the cucumber avocado and put them in a blender.
2. Add Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, lemon juice and fresh mint leaves to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth, then add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill the soup in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
4. Borscht or Cold Beet Soup
Borscht is a traditional soup that originated in Ukraine, Poland, and Russia. It is a vegetable soup made with beetroot as the main ingredient, which gives it a distinct deep red colour. Other typical ingredients include cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic and tomato paste. Beetroot is rich in fiber, vitamin C and potassium, while cabbage is a good source of vitamin K and antioxidants.
Component:
* 4 medium sized beets
* 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
* 2 cups vegetable broth
* 2 garlic cloves
* 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
* 1/4 cup fresh coriander
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instruction:
1. Peel and chop the beetroot and put it in a blender.
2. Add Greek yogurt, vegetable broth, garlic cloves, and red wine vinegar to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth, then add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill the soup in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Read also: Beetroot For Beauty: 7 Skin And Hair Benefits Of This Lively Veggie
5. Vichyssoise (Cold Potato Soup)
Vichyssoise is a variant of the traditional French potato and leek soup, ‘potage parmentier’. It is usually pureed until smooth and served cold, making it a refreshing dish for hot summer days.
Component:
* 2 large green onions, white and light green parts only
* 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
* 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup chopped chives
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instruction:
1. In a large pot, sauté the leeks in a little butter until soft.
2. Pour the diced potatoes and chicken or vegetable broth into the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook till the potatoes are soft.
4. Remove the vessel from the heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Puree the soup in a blender until smooth.
6. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Chill the soup in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.
Try one of the cold soup recipes above, and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal on a hot summer day!
