by Summer is here, and with it comes the need for refreshing and hydrating meals. But, who says that you have to sacrifice taste for health? Cold soups are the answer to your summer cravings. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they’re also incredibly easy to make and perfect for those lazy summer days. So get ready to enjoy the best cold soup recipes that will keep you refreshed and satisfied. Let’s take a look at how to make 5 popular cold soups.
Cold soups are soups that are served chilled or chilled. They are usually made with raw ingredients like vegetables, fruits, herbs, and yogurt. Unlike traditional hot soups, cold soups are not cooked or heated. They are usually blended or pureed to create a smooth and creamy texture.
They are a great way to stay hydrated during the hot summer days. They are mostly made with water-rich ingredients, such as fruits and vegetables, which help keep the body hydrated. They are packed with nutrients and easier to digest than hot soups since they are not cooked or heated. They are also often made with ingredients like cucumbers and ginger that promote healthy digestion. Cold soups are often low in calories, making them a great option for weight loss or control.
Know how to make cold soups
1. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a cold soup that originated in Spain. It is made with raw vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and bread, which are blended together to create a smooth and creamy texture.
Ingredients:
* 8-10 ripe tomatoes
* 1 cucumber
* 1 red pepper
* 1 small red onion
* 2 garlic cloves
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion coarsely and add to a blender. Also add the garlic cloves, olive oil, and red wine vinegar to the blender.
2. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Let the soup rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Watermelon gazpacho
A more refreshing take on the traditional Gazpacho, this Cold Watermelon Soup is a sweet and refreshing soup made with watermelon, lime juice, and mint and is perfect for beating the summer heat.
Ingredients:
* 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 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add watermelon, cucumber, red onion, red bell pepper, mint leaves, olive oil, and red wine vinegar to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Refrigerate soup for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Also read: Is the watermelon diet the juiciest way to lose weight?
3. Cucumber and avocado soup
There is nothing more refreshing and chilling than having cucumbers in the heat. This is a refreshing soup made with cucumbers, yogurt, and avocados that makes up for a creamy soup.
Ingredients:
* 2 cucumbers
* 2 avocados
* 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
* 2 garlic cloves
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel and chop the cucumbers and avocado and add them to a blender.
2. Add Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and fresh mint leaves to blender.
3. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill soup in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
4. Cold Borscht or 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, giving it a distinctive deep red color. Other typical ingredients are cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic and tomato paste. Beets are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, while cabbage is a good source of vitamin K and antioxidants.
Ingredients:
* 4 medium beets
* 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt
* 2 cups of vegetable broth
* 2 garlic cloves
* 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
* 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel and chop the beets and add them to a blender.
2. Add Greek yogurt, vegetable broth, garlic cloves, and red wine vinegar to blender.
3. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill soup in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Also Read: Beetroot for Beauty: 7 Skin and Hair Benefits of This Vibrant Vegetable
5. Vichyssoise (cold potato soup)
Vichyssoise is a variation of the traditional French potato and leek soup, ‘potage parmentier’. It is usually pureed until smooth and served cold, making it a refreshing dish on hot summer days.
Ingredients:
* 2 large spring onions, white and light green parts only
* 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
* 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup chopped chives
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, fry the leeks in a little butter until tender.
2. Add diced potatoes and chicken or vegetable broth to pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft.
4. Remove pot from heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Puree the soup in a blender until smooth.
6. Add heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.
Try one of the above cold soup recipes and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal on a hot summer day.
