A Deliciously Tasty Cucumber Soup Recipe
Summer may be winding down, but there are still plenty of warm days ahead. A nice, cold cucumber soup is perfect for those weeks after Labor Day has hit, but the crisp chill of autumn have yet to land. It is a light, refreshing, super easy soup that you can eat any time of the day, or night.
Cucumber soup originated in Eastern Europe, and was introduced to the United States by Jewish immigrants. Originally served as a menu staple in the vacation enclave of the Catskills, the soup has become popular all over the country, especially during the summer months when cucumbers are typically in season.
It’s low in calories, gluten-free, and is filled with vitamins and minerals. There are many incarnations of cucumber soup, but for our version we stick close to tradition. We hope you enjoy.
A Deliciously Tasty Cucumber Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4–8 hours
- Servings: 5
Ingredients
- 6 cucumbers (preferably English or Persian) sliced thin
- 3/4 of a cup of fresh basil
- 1-1/2 cups of plain, whole milk Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
For Garnish
- fresh mint
- chopped red onion, finely diced
- fresh dill
- dollop of yogurt
Tip
The soup will be chilled enough to enjoy after 4 hours. However, the longer you wait, the more of a chance the flavors will have to blend together.
Nutritional Information
- calories: 82
- carbohydrates: 4 grams
- protein: 1.9 grams
- fiber: 2.5 grams
- fat: 5 grams
- cholesterol: 5 grams
- calcium: 85 milligrams
- sodium: 16 milligrams
- potassium: 102 milligrams
How Long Can You Store Cucumber Soup?
Cucumber soup will last 2–3 days when kept in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze it, it will keep well for about 3 months. However, over time, the yogurt may change the consistency of the soup. If you want to eat your frozen soup, simply place it in the fridge overnight to defrost.
What Cucumbers Are Best To Use In Cucumber Soup?
With almost 100 cucumber varieties, deciding which kind to use in your soup could drive you bananas. But don’t worry, we’ve narrowed it down to what experts say is the best, the English cucumber. As fancy as that name may sound, it’s more commonly known as the burpless, or seedless cucumber.
The long, thinner version of the traditional cucumber was specifically bred to be sweeter, with tiny seeds, (the seeds are what causes gas), and a smoother, thinner skin. Basically, it was designed to be more digestible and flavor friendly than the average cucumber. Those characteristics are also what makes it the perfect choice for cucumber soup.
Another tasty choice is the Persian cucumber, which we commonly know as baby cukes that are normally sold in packages of 6. These guys are smaller, but just as sweet, and also have just a few tiny seeds. Both varieties are easy to find at your local grocery stores.
What Should You Look For In A Cucumber?
When choosing a cucumber, they should absolutely be a vibrant green, and firm. Be on the lookout for mold and discoloration. If the cucumber has fuzzy white, green, red, or black growth on it, leave it be.
The same goes for a soft or slimy cucumber, those characteristics indicate rot. Also, if the cucumber smells acidic or earthy, that means it’s past its prime as well.
How Should You Store Your Cucumbers?
Cucumbers should be stored in the refrigerator immediately, unless you’re going to use them right away. After washing your own hands, gently rub (or use a vegetable brush) while holding the cucumber under cool tap water. There is no need to use soap.
After rinsing, dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Do not store them wet, as they could become slimy. Wrap them in a dry paper towel, or clean tea towel. Place them in the front of the fridge.
Do not place them in a more chilled area as water may build up and cause them to spoil.
What Can Be Served With Cucumber Soup?
Cucumber soup is one of those recipes that’s easy to make, but tastes like you spent hours. So when choosing what to serve with it, you should be a little creative. Some of our suggestions include:
1. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This refreshing salad contains chickpeas, feta cheese, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. The delightful crunch with go nicely with the smoothness of the soup.
2. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Amazingly easy, and with only a few ingredients like Swiss cheese and spices, these boats are fun, nutritious, and delicious. Great to munch on in between spoonfuls of your soup.
3. Roasted Vegetable Pasta
This dish is awesome because you have so many choices. You get to decide what type of pasta and what type of veggies you want to use. Though we suggest a nice farfalle pasta and mushrooms, peppers, and eggplant.
4. Panzanella Salad
Panzanella salad is made with soaked stale bread, onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, with a nice balsamic vinegar drizzle over it. If you’re keeping things light and low calorie, this is the side to choose.
5. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is an iconic side that goes with all soup, but it especially pairs with the cool smoothness of cucumber soup.
6. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a nice, substantial protein that will turn your cucumber soup into a tasty, well-rounded meal. Its crunchy juiciness is a favorite in most houses.
7. Pretzel Rolls
Pretzel rolls are a nice substitute for traditional dinner rolls. Their salty tang is a nice offset to the smooth cucumber soup. You can also dip them.
Are There Other Delicious Dishes That Use Cucumber As A Main Ingredient?
Cucumbers are quite the versatile ingredient when cooking. They aren’t just for salads, or a great soup. They can also be used in entrées, sides, and snacks. A few ideas are:
- gazpacho
- Greek salad
- dill pickles
- orzo salad
- whiskey tonic
- California sushi rolls
- cucumber raita (Asian yogurt)
- tzatziki
- cucumber chips
- glow water (cucumber seltzer)
- cucumber dill dressing
- peanut sesame lettuce cups
