Refreshing Cucumber and Yogurt Soup with Lemon Zest
Dive into summer with this delightful Chilled Cucumber and Yogurt Soup, where cooling cucumber meets the tanginess of lemon and the creaminess of yogurt. Inspired by traditional Indian raita, this refreshing soup is perfect for hot days and provides a burst of flavor thanks to the fresh herbs and spices. With a silky texture and vibrant colors, it’s a beautiful and healthy starter or light meal, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying on a relaxing day. Serve it chilled and let each spoonful transport you to a garden filled with fresh ingredients. Prepare it ahead of time for an effortless dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon cucumbers (or standard cucumbers)
6-8 medium (peeled and coarsely chopped)
Low-fat plain yogurt
1 1/2 cups
Low-fat buttermilk
1 cup
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon
Garlic clove
1 (peeled and minced)
Fresh chives
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Fresh dill
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Red pepper flakes (or cayenne)
1/8 teaspoon
Water (or vegetable stock)
1/2 cup
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
White pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Walnuts (or hazelnuts or almonds)
3 tablespoons (toasted and chopped)
Fresh lemon juice
to taste (for drizzling)
Cayenne
to taste (for garnishing)
Ice cubes
as needed
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the cucumbers. Use a food processor or blender to puree half of the peeled and coarsely chopped cucumbers until smooth, about 20 seconds. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
2
In a large serving bowl, combine the pureed cucumber with low-fat plain yogurt, low-fat buttermilk, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, fresh chives, fresh dill, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture until well incorporated.
3
Dice the remaining cucumbers into 1/8 inch pieces and gently fold them into the soup base.
4
Gradually stir in the water or vegetable stock until you achieve a slightly thin yet creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and white pepper as necessary.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours or until the soup is thoroughly chilled.
6
Before serving, ladle the chilled soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped toasted walnuts (or your choice of nuts), a drizzle of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of cayenne for added heat. To keep the soup extra cold, add a single ice cube to each bowl.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Cucumber and Yogurt Soup with Lemon Zest?
It is a chilled soup that combines cooling cucumber with tangy lemon and creamy yogurt, inspired by traditional Indian raita.
Should this cucumber soup be served hot or cold?
This soup should be served thoroughly chilled, ideally after refrigerating for several hours.
What kind of cucumbers should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 medium lemon cucumbers, but standard cucumbers can also be used.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, the cucumbers should be peeled and coarsely chopped before processing.
What is the base of the soup made from?
The base is made from pureed cucumber, low-fat plain yogurt, and low-fat buttermilk.
Is there any oil in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What herbs are included in the Refreshing Cucumber and Yogurt Soup?
The soup features fresh chives and fresh dill, both finely chopped.
How much garlic is used in the soup?
One garlic clove, peeled and minced, is added to the mixture.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of water?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of water or 1/2 cup of vegetable stock to adjust the consistency.
What is the recommended size for dicing the remaining cucumbers?
The remaining cucumbers should be diced into small 1/8 inch pieces.
How do I achieve a smooth texture for the soup?
Half of the cucumbers are pureed in a food processor or blender for about 20 seconds to create a smooth base.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy starter or light meal made with fresh garden ingredients and low-fat dairy.
What provides the heat in this recipe?
Red pepper flakes, white pepper, and a garnish of cayenne pepper provide the spice.
What types of nuts can be used as a garnish?
You can use toasted and chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds.
How long should the soup be refrigerated before serving?
It should be covered and refrigerated for several hours until it is thoroughly chilled.
What is the secret to keeping the soup extra cold while eating?
Adding a single ice cube to each individual serving bowl helps keep the soup very cold.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the Refreshing Cucumber and Yogurt Soup is a vegetarian dish.
What role does lemon play in this soup?
Lemon juice is used as a garnish for drizzling to add tanginess and lemon zest contributes to the flavor profile.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests starting with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and then adjusting to taste.
What is the inspiration behind this soup?
The soup is inspired by traditional Indian raita, which is a yogurt-based condiment.
What is the consistency of the soup?
The soup has a silky, slightly thin yet creamy consistency.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare it ahead of time to allow it to chill properly.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe, including garnishes and seasonings.
What kind of yogurt is best for this recipe?
Low-fat plain yogurt is specified to maintain a light and refreshing profile.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
You can gradually stir in water or vegetable stock until you reach your desired consistency.
What kind of pepper is used besides red pepper flakes?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
How are the walnuts prepared?
The walnuts should be toasted and then chopped before being sprinkled on the soup.
Is this soup suitable for summer?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as being perfect for hot summer days.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
The main tags include soup, chilled, cucumber, yogurt, summer, and healthy.
How should the soup be garnished?
Garnish with chopped toasted nuts, a drizzle of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of cayenne.