Friday, July 13, 2012

Cool as a Cucumber Soup




We’re having a heat wave,
A tropical heat wave.
The temperature’s rising,
It isn’t surprising.
Cucumber soup can can-can.

It sure is summertime, and out here the living is anything but easy.  We do everything possible to stay cool, and that includes consuming refreshing foods and beverages.  One of our favorites is “Cool as a Cucumber Soup.”  It can be made up to two days in advance and, chilled in the refrigerator, it is available to be enjoyed at any time.

While cucumber soup is a rather ubiquitous summer dish, this version is noteworthy because of its secret ingredient—buttermilk.  The buttermilk’s tang enhances the cool notes of the cucumber and celery adds a savory layer.  Try it this weekend to wow your guests, if you are entertaining, or your spouse or significant other if you merely intend to sit in a dark room and watch The Weather Channel.


Cool as a Cucumber Soup

1 ½ lbs cucumber(s) sliced in half lengthwise, seeded and roughly chopped
2 stalks of celery roughly chopped
1 small shallot coarsely chopped
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ cup sour cream
½ cup buttermilk
Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste
Chives for garnish

Place the cucumbers, celery, shallots, extra virgin olive oil and salt into a blender and puree until smooth.  Strain mixture through a mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing out as much liquid as possible. 

Whisk sour cream and buttermilk into the mixture.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Serve chilled soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and garnish with chives.


5 comments:

  1. Christy, This looks so elegant and sounds delicious! I’m not so sure my hubby would like it, but it sounds heavenly to me! Stay cool and enjoy your weekend!

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  2. Wholeheartedly agree with Kathy! A very elegant soup indeed.

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  3. Beautiful soup!
    And a great way to use some of those cucumbers showing up in my CSA boxes.

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  4. Awesome presentation...This looks like a watercolor painting. Very soothing and refreshing to look at. I am sure it will have the same effect on my palate.

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  5. Christy, this cucumber soup is so very pretty - I love the look of it and the recipe sounds refreshing and light and summery - it is srill quite hot around here these days so this would be a nice liitle late summer treat!

    It was so nice to hear from you again - I do appreciate all your lovely comments and it is great to know that you enjoy my blog and continue to do so! Thanks for letting me know!

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