Chilled Cucumber Delight
Refresh your palate with this Chilled Cucumber Delight, a creamy and cooling soup perfect for warm days. Made with fresh cucumbers, tangy nonfat sour cream, and fragrant herbs, this recipe is a nourishing and low-protein choice for a light lunch or appetizer. Ideal for gatherings, this soup can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprig of dill or parsley for an added touch of elegance.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cucumbers
2 large (peeled and seeded)
nonfat sour cream
1.25 cups
low sodium chicken broth
1 cup
onion
1 small (cut into wedges)
fresh parsley
4 sprigs (stems removed)
fresh dill
2 sprigs (stems removed)
dill weed
1 teaspoon (optional if fresh dill is unavailable)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the cucumbers into large chunks. This will make blending them easier.
2
Place the cucumber chunks into a blender, along with the nonfat sour cream, low sodium chicken broth, onion wedges, parsley sprigs, dill sprigs (or dill weed), lemon juice, and white pepper.
3
Blend all ingredients on high speed until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
4
Transfer the blended mixture into a large bowl or airtight storage container.
5
Cover the bowl or container and refrigerate the soup for at least 8 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the soup to chill fully.
6
Before serving, stir the soup gently to incorporate any settled ingredients, and taste to adjust seasoning if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Cucumber Delight?
Chilled Cucumber Delight is a creamy and cooling soup made with fresh cucumbers, nonfat sour cream, and fragrant herbs, perfect for warm days.
Should this cucumber soup be served hot or cold?
This soup is specifically designed to be served chilled for a refreshing palate experience.
How long should the soup be refrigerated before serving?
The soup should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the soup to chill fully.
What are the main ingredients in Chilled Cucumber Delight?
The main ingredients include cucumbers, nonfat sour cream, low sodium chicken broth, onion, parsley, dill, lemon juice, and white pepper.
How do I prepare the cucumbers for this recipe?
The cucumbers should be peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks before being placed in the blender.
What can I use if I don't have fresh dill?
If fresh dill is unavailable, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-protein diet?
Yes, this recipe is a nourishing and low-protein choice suitable for those seeking lighter dietary options.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is ideal for preparing in advance as the flavors meld beautifully while it sits in the refrigerator.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of broth is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth.
How should the onion be prepared?
Use one small onion and cut it into wedges before blending.
What is the recommended garnish for this soup?
You can garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh dill or parsley for an elegant touch.
What equipment is needed to make this soup?
You will need a blender to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency and an airtight container for chilling.
Is this cucumber soup spicy?
No, it is not spicy; it uses 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper for a mild, subtle seasoning.
Can I use regular sour cream instead of nonfat?
While the recipe specifies nonfat sour cream for a lighter version, you could use regular sour cream, though it will change the nutritional profile.
What kind of texture does the soup have?
The soup has a smooth and creamy consistency once blended on high speed.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients?
No cooking is required; this is a raw, blended soup that only requires chilling.
How should I store leftover soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Should I stir the soup after it has been chilled?
Yes, stir the soup gently before serving to incorporate any ingredients that may have settled.
What is the purpose of lemon juice in this recipe?
The lemon juice adds a tangy brightness that complements the fresh cucumber and creaminess of the sour cream.
Can this be served as a main course?
It is best served as a light lunch or as an appetizer for a larger meal.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-protein, and light soup option.
What is the prep time category for this recipe?
It is categorized as 'quick and easy' due to the simple blending process.
How much white pepper should be added?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup.
Why must the cucumbers be seeded?
Seeding the cucumbers ensures the soup is smooth and prevents it from becoming too watery or having tough bits.
Is there any salt added to this recipe?
The recipe relies on low sodium chicken broth and other seasonings; you can adjust the seasoning to your preference before serving.
What should I do with the parsley stems?
The stems should be removed from the 4 sprigs of fresh parsley before blending.
How many cucumbers are needed?
You will need 2 large cucumbers for this recipe.
Can I serve this immediately after blending?
While you can, it is highly recommended to wait 8 hours for the flavors to fully develop and for the soup to reach the ideal cold temperature.