"Refreshing Summer Delight: Chilled Cucumber Soup Recipe to Beat the Heat"

Chilled Cucumber Soup is the perfect refreshing dish for hot days. With an easy recipe and some handy tips, you can whip up this cool treat in no time. Here's how to make it along with some tips and tricks to enhance the flavors and texture.

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• Dish name: Chilled Cucumber Soup

• Cuisine: International

• Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)

• Cooking time: 0 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped

• 2 cups plain yogurt or Greek yogurt

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the cucumbers, yogurt, garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil.

2. Blend until smooth. If the soup is too thick, add a little cold water to reach the desired consistency.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

5. Serve cold, garnished with additional herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a dollop of yogurt.

Tips and Tricks:

• Cucumber Selection: Choose firm, dark green cucumbers without wrinkles. English cucumbers work well since they have fewer seeds.

• Seed Removal: For a smoother texture, remove the seeds from the cucumbers before blending.

• Straining: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the blended soup through a fine mesh sieve.

• Garnishes: Garnish with finely diced cucumbers, radishes, herbs, or toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.

• Acid Balance: Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste. Start with a little and add more as necessary.

• Cooling: Chill serving bowls before dishing up the soup for extra refreshment.

• Herb Combination: Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as chives or parsley.

• Creaminess: For a richer soup, add a tablespoon of tahini during blending.

Enjoy your chilled cucumber soup as a light lunch or as an appetizer for a summer dinner party. Its coolness is sure to be an instant palate pleaser!