Chilled Creamy Tomato Cucumber Soup
This refreshing Chilled Creamy Tomato Cucumber Soup is a delightful fusion of ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumber, elevated with creamy low-fat sour cream. Perfect for hot summer days, this cold soup is not only low in fat but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal appetizer or light meal. The vibrant colors and flavors will impress your guests at any gathering. Easy to prepare and can be made up to two days in advance, this soup is sure to become a summer staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
tomatoes
2 (large, ripe, chopped)
garlic
1 (clove, crushed)
sugar
1 (teaspoon)
salt
1 (teaspoon or to taste)
pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
tomato juice
2 (cups, fresh or canned)
cucumber
1 (large English, diced)
low-fat sour cream
1 (cup)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and chopping the large ripe tomatoes. Place them in a blender along with the crushed garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, and tomato juice.
2
Blend the mixture on high speed until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
3
Add the diced cucumber to the blender and pulse a few times to combine, leaving a little texture.
4
Transfer the soup to a large bowl and cover. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and allow the flavors to meld. You can also prepare this soup up to 2 days in advance.
5
Just before serving, gently stir in the low-fat sour cream until well incorporated.
6
For a beautiful presentation, serve the soup in small bowls or shot glasses. To keep the soup cold, create a double bowl setup by placing a smaller bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Creamy Tomato Cucumber Soup?
It is a refreshing cold soup made from ripe tomatoes and English cucumbers, blended with tomato juice and finished with low-fat sour cream for a creamy texture.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The preparation is quick, taking only a few minutes to blend and pulse, but the soup requires at least 2 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator before serving.
Is this recipe low-fat?
Yes, this recipe uses low-fat sour cream and fresh vegetables, making it a healthy, low-fat appetizer or light meal option.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base up to two days in advance. Just wait until right before serving to stir in the low-fat sour cream.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply replace the low-fat sour cream with a plant-based alternative like vegan sour cream, coconut cream, or unsweetened cashew yogurt.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
It is best to use large, ripe tomatoes for the most flavor. Heirloom, beefsteak, or vine-ripened tomatoes are excellent choices.
Do I need to peel the English cucumber?
English cucumbers have very thin skin, so peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds a nice green color and extra nutrients.
How do I achieve the best texture for the cucumber?
After blending the tomato base until smooth, add the diced cucumber and pulse only a few times. This ensures the soup has a bit of refreshing crunch rather than being completely liquefied.
Can I use canned tomato juice?
Yes, you can use either fresh or canned tomato juice for this recipe. If using canned, look for a low-sodium version if you are monitoring your salt intake.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the soup?
A small amount of sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes and the tartness of the sour cream.
How should I serve this soup at a summer party?
For a beautiful presentation, serve it in small chilled bowls or shot glasses. You can use a double-bowl setup with ice to keep it cold during the event.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, low-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Is this soup spicy?
No, this soup is mild and refreshing. It uses only a small amount of black pepper and garlic for flavor.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the fresh cucumbers and the sour cream may separate or become grainy once thawed.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Do I need a high-speed blender?
A standard blender works fine as long as you blend the tomato mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
Can I add fresh herbs to this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh dill, basil, or chives make excellent garnishes or additions to enhance the flavor of the tomato and cucumber.
What if I don't have an English cucumber?
You can use a regular cucumber, but you may want to peel it and scrape out the seeds first, as the seeds in regular cucumbers are larger and more bitter.
Is this soup suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I skip the garlic?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the garlic or use a smaller amount of garlic powder.
How many tomatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two large, ripe tomatoes.
Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers?
Yes, adding finely diced bell peppers or red onion can add more depth and crunch to the soup.
What is the best way to keep the soup cold while serving?
Place the serving bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice to maintain a chilled temperature throughout your meal.
Should I use fresh or bottled garlic?
Fresh crushed garlic will provide the best, most vibrant flavor for this cold soup.
Is this soup a good appetizer?
Yes, its light and refreshing nature makes it an ideal starter for a summer dinner or brunch.
Can I use sea salt instead of regular salt?
Yes, sea salt or kosher salt can be used. Adjust the amount to your personal taste.
Is this soup filling?
It is a light soup, so it is best served as an appetizer or paired with a hearty salad or sandwich for a full meal.
Can I adjust the amount of sour cream?
Yes, you can add more or less sour cream depending on how creamy you want the final consistency to be.
What if the soup is too thick?
If the soup is thicker than you prefer, you can thin it out by adding a little more tomato juice or a splash of cold water.
Can I use white pepper instead of black pepper?
Yes, white pepper is a great alternative if you want to avoid black flecks in the soup while maintaining a mild heat.