Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Chilled Delight
This Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Chilled Delight is a perfect emblem of summer dining. With its vibrant green color and silky smooth texture, this chilled soup will impress your guests and keep them cool. In mere ten minutes of prep time, you'll create a luxurious dish that tastes as though it’s been crafted by a seasoned chef. The bright flavors of cucumber are complemented by the savory notes of sautéed onions and garlic, while a touch of half-and-half adds a creamy richness that perfectly balances each serving. Garnished with fresh chives, this low-protein recipe is both satisfying and light, making it ideal for summer gatherings, brunches, or a refreshing starter to any meal.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
8 (Peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks)
Large Onions
2 (Chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Chicken Stock
1 cup (Canned or made from bouillon)
Half-and-Half
1 pint (None)
Fresh Chives
To taste (Chopped for garnish)
White Pepper
To taste (None)
Olive Oil
As needed (For sautéing)
Salt
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling and seeding the cucumbers, then chop them into large chunks.
2
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Pour in the chicken stock, then add the cucumber chunks along with a handful of the cucumber peels (this will add color and flavor). Stir well.
4
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer over low heat for 45 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften fully.
5
After 45 minutes, remove the cucumber peels carefully. Stir in the half-and-half and a pinch of white pepper. Blend the soup using a food processor until it reaches a velvety smooth consistency.
6
Season with salt to taste, then transfer to a bowl or container and refrigerate overnight.
7
Before serving, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives to add a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
20
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Chilled Delight?
It is a silky smooth chilled soup featuring the bright flavors of cucumber, savory onions, and garlic, balanced with a rich touch of half-and-half.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are 150 calories per serving.
Is this recipe considered low in protein?
Yes, it is a low-protein recipe containing 5 grams of protein per serving.
How much prep time is required?
The preparation time for this recipe is approximately ten minutes.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, the cucumbers should be peeled and seeded, though some peels are reserved for the simmering process.
Why are cucumber peels added to the pot?
A handful of cucumber peels are added during simmering to provide extra color and flavor to the soup.
What type of stock is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of chicken stock, which can be canned or made from bouillon.
How long should the soup simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered over low heat for 45 minutes.
What provides the creamy richness in this soup?
One pint of half-and-half is added to the soup to create its creamy texture.
What equipment do I need to make the soup smooth?
You should use a food processor or blender to achieve a velvety smooth consistency.
How long should the soup be refrigerated?
For the best flavor and temperature, the soup should be refrigerated overnight.
What is the suggested garnish for this dish?
Each bowl should be garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives.
How much fat is in one serving?
The soup contains 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does this soup have?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many cucumbers are needed for the recipe?
You will need 8 cucumbers for this recipe.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe requires 2 large chopped onions.
Is garlic used in this cucumber soup?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What seasoning provides a subtle spice to the soup?
White pepper is added to taste for seasoning.
What oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for summer gatherings, brunches, or as a refreshing starter.
When do I remove the cucumber peels?
The cucumber peels should be carefully removed after the 45-minute simmering period but before blending.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, a vegan option is possible by substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock and using a plant-based cream alternative.
What should the consistency of the soup be?
The soup should have a velvety smooth and creamy consistency.
At what point do I add the salt?
Salt should be added to taste after the soup has been blended.
How long do I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft and golden.
What is the main flavor profile of the soup?
It features bright cucumber flavors complemented by savory sautéed aromatics and rich cream.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple steps.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 9 ingredients.
Can I serve this soup immediately after blending?
While you can, the recipe recommends refrigerating it overnight to serve it properly chilled.
Should the soup be cooked on high heat?
No, the onions are sautéed on medium heat and the soup is simmered on low heat.