Chilled Creamy Cucumber Gazpacho
Quench your thirst and delight your palate with this refreshing Chilled Creamy Cucumber Gazpacho. This vibrant, chilled soup features the coolness of cucumbers complemented by tangy yogurt and zesty lemon juice. Perfect as a light lunch on a sweltering day, it also shines as a first course at your special summer gatherings. Garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, this dish offers an elegant touch while keeping it healthy and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
1 1/2 lbs (peeled and chopped into medium chunks)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed)
Sweet Onions
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Fat-Free Chicken Broth
1 cup (more as desired)
Plain Fat-Free Yogurt
2 cups (can substitute with full fat or low fat)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (fresh squeezed)
Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon
White Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (can substitute with black pepper)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and peeling the cucumbers. Chop them into medium-sized chunks, discarding the seeds if desired for a smoother texture. English cucumbers are a great alternative if you prefer fewer seeds.
2
Mince the garlic clove and chop the sweet onions into fine pieces. In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped garlic, onions, cucumbers, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth, leaving some small chunks for texture. Transfer the blended mixture into a large mixing bowl.
3
In the same bowl, add the fat-free yogurt, remaining chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and white pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding additional chicken broth for a thinner consistency.
4
Once combined, cover the bowl securely or transfer the gazpacho into a tightly sealed container. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill beautifully.
5
When ready to serve, ladle the chilled gazpacho into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil. For an added burst of flavor, finish with a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or your choice of hard cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Creamy Cucumber Gazpacho?
It is a refreshing, cold soup made with cucumbers, yogurt, lemon juice, and seasonings, perfect for summer.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include cucumbers, garlic, sweet onions, fat-free chicken broth, plain fat-free yogurt, lemon juice, kosher salt, and white pepper.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 8 total ingredients plus optional garnishes like herbs and cheese.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, the recipe recommends washing and peeling the cucumbers before chopping them into chunks.
Can I use English cucumbers for this gazpacho?
Yes, English cucumbers are a great alternative if you prefer fewer seeds and a smoother texture.
Should I remove the cucumber seeds?
You can discard the seeds if desired to achieve a smoother consistency, though it is optional.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be crushed or minced before being added to the food processor.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
Sweet onions are recommended for their mild flavor that complements the cool cucumber.
Can I substitute the fat-free yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute fat-free yogurt with full-fat or low-fat yogurt depending on your preference.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chicken broth, but you can add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What can I use instead of white pepper?
If you do not have white pepper, black pepper is a suitable substitute.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to wash, peel, and chop the cucumbers into medium-sized chunks.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor or blender is needed to combine the garlic, onions, cucumbers, and broth.
Should the soup be perfectly smooth?
The recipe suggests blending until mostly smooth but leaving some small chunks for texture.
How do I incorporate the yogurt?
Whisk the yogurt into the blended cucumber mixture along with the remaining broth and lemon juice.
How long should the gazpacho be refrigerated?
The soup should be refrigerated for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the soup to chill.
How should I serve the gazpacho?
Ladle the chilled soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese.
What herbs are good for garnishing?
Fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil are excellent choices for garnishing this dish.
Is cheese recommended as a topping?
Yes, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or your choice of hard cheese adds an elegant touch.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, satisfying, and light meal option.
Is this soup served hot?
No, this is a chilled soup specifically designed to be served cold.
What kind of lemon juice should I use?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best zesty flavor.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning, including the kosher salt, before chilling.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, it is perfect as a light lunch or a first course for summer events.
What is the texture of this soup?
It has a creamy texture from the yogurt combined with the freshness of blended cucumbers.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
How many calories are in this recipe?
The specific calorie count is not provided, but the ingredients are fat-free and vegetable-based.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor is cool and refreshing with tangy notes from yogurt and lemon, and a savory hint of garlic and onion.