Chilled Mediterranean Yogurt Soup with Crunchy Toppings
Imagine lounging at a picturesque outdoor café on the sun-kissed shores of Mykonos, the vibrant Mediterranean breeze gently caressing your sun-kissed skin. After savoring a spicy shrimp appetizer that tantalized your taste buds, what could be better than a refreshing bowl of chilled yogurt soup? This delightful dish combines the creaminess of whole milk yogurt with the rich flavors of feta, olives, and fresh vegetables, all topped off with crunchy pistachios for texture. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, this soup embodies the essence of Mediterranean summer and is sure to transport you to a dreamy island escape with every spoonful. Enjoy this cool, satisfying treat as you unwind in the fading sunlight, sharing laughter and good food with friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole milk yogurt
2 lbs (Plain, preferably Greek or homemade)
Cold water
1/8 to 1/4 cup (To adjust consistency)
Heavy cream
1 pint (For a richer texture)
Salt
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Garlic cloves
2 tablespoons (Minced)
Feta cheese
8 tablespoons (Crumbled (French type preferred))
Kalamata olives
4 tablespoons (Pits removed, chopped)
Bell pepper
1/2 cup (Chopped (any colors or combo))
Spring onions
8 tablespoons (Cleaned and chopped)
Pistachio nuts
8 tablespoons (Shells removed and coarsely ground)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of yogurt with 1/8 to 1/4 cup of cold water, depending on your desired consistency.
2
Add 1/8 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to the yogurt mixture.
3
Blend all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
4
In serving bowls, add 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese, 1 tablespoon of chopped olives, 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped bell peppers, and 2 tablespoons of spring onions.
5
Gently mix the toppings with the yogurt base, ensuring they are well distributed.
6
Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground pistachio nuts on top for an added crunch.
7
Chill the prepared soup in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, to enhance the flavors and ensure a refreshing experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of the Chilled Mediterranean Yogurt Soup?
The soup base is primarily made from whole milk yogurt, blended with a small amount of cold water and heavy cream for a rich consistency.
Which type of yogurt is best for this recipe?
Plain whole milk yogurt is recommended, with Greek or homemade varieties being the preferred choices for their thick texture.
How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?
You can adjust the thickness by adding between 1/8 to 1/4 cup of cold water to the yogurt mixture until you reach your desired consistency.
Why is heavy cream included in the recipe?
One pint of heavy cream is used to give the soup a richer, smoother, and more luxurious texture.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of salt, though you should taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended to provide the best citrus brightness to the dish.
How should the garlic be prepared for the soup?
The garlic cloves should be minced finely before being blended into the yogurt base.
Do I need to blend the ingredients?
Yes, you should blend the yogurt, water, cream, salt, lemon juice, and garlic until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
What kind of feta cheese is recommended?
While any feta works, the French type of feta cheese is preferred for its creamy profile.
What type of olives are used in this soup?
Kalamata olives are used; they should be pitted and chopped before being added as a topping.
Can I use different colors of bell peppers?
Yes, you can use any color or a combination of different colored bell peppers for the chopped toppings.
How should the spring onions be handled?
The spring onions should be cleaned and chopped into small pieces before being mixed into the soup.
What provides the crunchy texture in this dish?
Coarsely ground pistachio nuts are sprinkled on top to add a distinct crunch and nutty flavor.
How do I incorporate the toppings into the soup?
The feta, olives, bell peppers, and spring onions should be gently mixed into the yogurt base to ensure even distribution.
How long does the soup need to chill?
The soup should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and ensure it is refreshing.
Is this soup served as an appetizer or a main course?
This dish is versatile and can be served either as a refreshing appetizer or a light summer meal.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients required, including the yogurt base, seasonings, and various crunchy toppings.
Is the garlic in this recipe cooked?
No, the garlic is used raw and minced to provide a sharp, fresh flavor to the cold soup.
How much yogurt is needed for a full batch?
The ingredient list specifies 2 lbs of whole milk yogurt for the recipe.
What type of flavor profile does this soup have?
It offers a creamy, tangy, and savory Mediterranean flavor profile with refreshing citrus notes.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While lemon juice is traditional for Greek flavors, lime juice can be used as a substitute if you prefer its specific acidity.
Should the water added to the soup be cold?
Yes, using cold water helps maintain the chilled temperature of the soup during preparation.
How many tablespoons of feta cheese are added?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese.
Can I add the pistachios before chilling?
It is best to sprinkle the pistachios on top just before serving or after chilling to keep them as crunchy as possible.
How are the pistachio nuts prepared?
The shells should be removed and the nuts should be coarsely ground rather than finely powdered.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains dairy and vegetables but no meat.
How much minced garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic cloves.
What is the recommended amount of bell pepper?
You should use approximately 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper.
What is the significance of the 30-minute chilling time?
Chilling allows the garlic, lemon, and salt to properly infuse the yogurt base while cooling the soup to an ideal serving temperature.
Can I substitute the Kalamata olives?
Yes, you can use other olives like Castelvetrano or black olives, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.