Chilled White Gazpacho with Almonds
Discover a refreshing twist on the classic gazpacho with this chilled white version, perfect for hot summer days. This creamy soup combines the coolness of cucumbers with the rich texture of sour cream and the tanginess of lemon juice, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The addition of toasted slivered almonds gives it a lovely crunch, making it an ideal appetizer or a light meal. Prep time includes chilling, so plan ahead to enjoy this delicious dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 cups (Choose between chicken or vegetable broth, based on dietary preferences.)
medium cucumbers
3 (Peeled and seeded, cut into cubes.)
sour cream
16 ounces (Use full-fat or low-fat sour cream, depending on your preference.)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed for best flavor.)
garlic granules
1/4 teaspoon (For added flavor.)
freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste.)
salt
to taste (Season as desired.)
toasted slivered almonds or croutons
for garnish (Toast almonds until golden or use store-bought croutons.)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling and seeding the cucumbers. Cut them into cubes, aiming for about 3 cups of cubed cucumber.
2
In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cubed cucumbers with 1/2 cup of the chicken or vegetable broth. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cucumber puree with the remaining broth, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic granules, and freshly ground pepper. Stir until well combined.
4
Taste the mixture and season with salt as needed, adjusting to your preference.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to chill.
6
Before serving, give the gazpacho a good stir. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds or croutons for added texture and flavor.
7
Store any leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled White Gazpacho with Almonds?
It is a refreshing, creamy version of the classic gazpacho that uses cucumbers and sour cream instead of tomatoes, garnished with toasted almonds.
How do I prepare the cucumbers for this recipe?
You should peel and seed the cucumbers, then cut them into cubes before blending.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for either chicken or vegetable broth based on your dietary preferences.
What type of sour cream should I use?
You can use either full-fat or low-fat sour cream depending on your preference for richness.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long does the gazpacho need to chill?
The soup should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor can be used to blend the cucumbers and broth until smooth.
What provides the crunch in this soup?
Toasted slivered almonds or croutons are used as a garnish to provide a lovely texture.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Should I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best and most vibrant flavor.
Why do I need to seed the cucumbers?
Seeding the cucumbers ensures the soup has a smoother texture and isn't overly watery or bitter.
What are garlic granules?
Garlic granules are a dried, textured form of garlic that adds a subtle savory flavor to the soup.
How much cucumber is required?
The recipe calls for 3 medium cucumbers, which should yield about 3 cups of cubes.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This is a chilled soup and should always be served cold for the best experience.
Can I substitute lemon juice with lime juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute if you prefer a different citrus profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is gluten-free if you use toasted almonds for the garnish instead of croutons.
How do I toast the slivered almonds?
You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until they become golden and fragrant.
Can I make this soup a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows even more time for the flavors to develop in the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a tangier, higher-protein substitute for sour cream.
Do I need to stir the soup before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to give the gazpacho a good stir before serving to ensure the consistency is even.
How much garlic granules are used?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of garlic granules.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is a mild and refreshing soup, though you can adjust the freshly ground pepper to your taste.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, fresh dill or mint would make excellent additions or garnishes for this cucumber-based soup.
How much broth is needed in total?
The recipe uses 2 cups of broth in total, with 1/2 cup used during the blending phase.
Is this soup suitable for summer?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a refreshing dish for hot summer days.
What is the serving size?
While not explicitly stated, the ingredient volume typically serves 4 to 6 people as an appetizer.
Can I freeze white gazpacho?
It is not recommended to freeze this soup because the sour cream may separate and change texture upon thawing.
Should I add salt?
Yes, you should taste the mixture and add salt according to your personal preference.
What color is the soup?
The soup is a pale white to light green color due to the peeled cucumbers and sour cream.
Is it a light meal?
Yes, it is perfect for a light meal or a healthy appetizer.