The summer heat is here and that often means avoiding food that will make you feel hotter. But don’t worry, there are plenty of delicious recipes that you can make to keep you cool! This article will focus on some refreshing recipes that will help you beat the heat – specifically cold soups! Cool off with these nutrient-packed dishes for a delicious way to stay chill while the temperature rises.
1. Introduction: Cold Soups to Beat the Heat
Summertime brings days of scorching heat and endless sunshine making it difficult to stay cool and comfortable. While there is a great variety of summer foods, cold soups are perfect for beating the heat. Not only are they delicious and nutritious but refreshing too. Whether it’s watermelon and feta, chilled avocado, gazpacho, or cucumber soup, these cold soups not only make a great lunch but are often a welcome starter to a dinner party or any other summer occasion.
Although cold soups are traditionally served when the weather is warmer, there are many recipes that are suitable for all seasons as they provide delicious flavor, as well as essential vitamins and minerals during the colder months.
Whether you’re looking for a light summer lunch or a flavorful appetizer for a dinner party, give cold soups a try and you’ll be amazed by the results!
Here are some recipes that will help you beat the heat with cold soups!
Cucumber Soup:
- Finely dice 1 cucumber.
- Combine diced cucumber with 1 cup of yogurt.
- Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Watermelon Feta Soup:
- Take 1 medium-sized ripe watermelon.
- Cut into small cubes and place in a bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
- Add 1/2 cup of diced red onion.
- Add 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper.
- Stir all the ingredients together.
- Add the juice of 1 lime.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled.
Chilled Avocado Soup:
- Take 2 ripe avocados.
- Peel and cut into cubes.
- Add 1 cup of plain yogurt.
- Add 1 clove of garlic.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled.
Gazpacho Soup:
- Finely dice 2 cloves garlic.
- Take 1 medium red bell pepper, 1 cucumber, and 1 small red onion.
- Dice the bell pepper, cucumber, and onion.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Add 1 cup of vegetable broth.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled.
Pick and choose whichever cold soup you prefer or experiment with all four recipes and you’ll be sure to delight your guests, as well as beat the heat!
2. Tips for Choosing Ingredients
Tips: Be selective about the vegetables you choose. Not every veggie is suitable for a cold soup, and some might even be off-putting. Here’s what works:
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Radish
- Carrots
- Beets
- Green beans
These have a refreshing taste and texture even when cold. Plus, their cold temperature makes the soup even more cooling!
Texture is key. Choosing crunchy vegetables is a great way to make the soup more interesting. Adding a contrasting texture, like chopped nuts or seeds, can also add interest and balance. Soft vegetables and beans can also be used, but focus on having a variety of textures.
And don’t forget the herbs! Fresh herbs add a bright, zesty flavor to any cold soup. Basil, cilantro, and parsley are all great options. And don’t forget to add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to make the flavor pop.
Finally, the best way to make your soup even more refreshing is to add a squeeze of citrus juice. Lemon, lime, and orange juice can make your soup even more refreshing. You can also add a splash of vinegar for an even brighter flavor.
3. Highlighting Health Benefits
Beat the Heat with Healthy Cold Soups:
The summer heat is just about here, so it’s time to start thinking about fresh, cold dishes that can help us beat the heat. One of the best ways to keep in shape while cooling off is to make healthy cold soups! Apart from being refreshing, these soups offer a host of nutritional benefits:
- Low calorie: Cold soups are fat-free and generally low in calories, allowing weight watchers to treat themselves on a hot summer day with impunity!
- High nutritional value: Soups are a great way to get small amounts of multiple essential nutrients in one dish, providing an amazing mix of vitamins and minerals.
- Versatility: Cold soups can be made from virtually any combination of vegetables, making them a superb meal to suit any taste.
- Immunity boost: Cold soups can be made with fresh herbs like basil or mint, with each offering amazing anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, which help our bodies fight off infection.
It’s plain to see why cold soups are such a great way to stay healthy and refreshed during the summertime. With a variety of recipes on offer, from chilled cucumber soups to high-fiber bean soups, you can whip up a great meal in no time at all. All the while you’ll be making strides to stay healthy and cool off from the summer heat!
4. Basic Techniques for Preparing Cold Soups
Cold soups are the perfect meal on a hot summer day. They offer a refreshing way to cool off and can be prepared with a variety of ingredients. Here are some basic techniques for preparing a savory cold soup:
1. Chill Fresh Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients for the soup are properly chilled before blending. Certain ingredients like dairy and cream should be kept cold until the soup is ready to be served.
2. Blend in Batches: To ensure a smooth texture, blend the soup in batches in a food processor or blender. The cold ingredients tend to form chunks in the soup if not properly blended.
3. Use Other Appliances: Other than a food processor or a blender, one could also use an immersion blender for a quick blending job. When using the immersion blender, blend the soup for at least 2 minutes to ensure a smooth texture.
4. Keep It Chill: Once the soup is blended, it should be put in the fridge until it is ready to be served. This will help the soup maintain its texture and temperature.
5. Garnish: Lastly, top the soup with fresh ingredients like fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, or croutons to make it look more appetizing. This can be a great way to customize the flavor of the soup and make it even more refreshing.
By following these simple techniques, you can create a savory and refreshing cold soup. Whether you want a quick and chilled lunch or a light dinner option, cold soups are a great way to beat the summer heat.
5. Tasteful Garnishes for Cold Soups
From apples to harissa, there are plenty of ways to garnish cold soups for a refreshing meal—no matter what the temperature. Whether you’re looking for color, substance, or just something new, here are 6 delicious ideas for different occasions.
- Chili flakes: Add a spicy twist to a cucumber-yogurt soup with a sprinkle of chili flakes. Not too much—just enough to make it interesting.
- Seeds: Toast some sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds for a crunchy contrast and pleasing nutty flavor. It’s also a great way to get in those healthy fats!
- Herbs: Chop up some fresh chives, parsley, or cilantro for a zingy touch. Place the leaves whole (not chopped) on top for an attractive presentation.
- Lemons: Squeeze some fresh lemon over gazpacho to brighten up the flavor and add a bit of sharpness. You can even use a microplane to make pretty zest.
- Apples: For a sweeter twist, top off a white bean and zucchini soup with diced apples or applesauce. It’s also packed with fiber and other important nutrients.
- Harissa: A smoky, spicy condiment from North Africa, harissa is perfect for adding some heat to a cold soup. Add a spoonful for an exotic, delicious flavor.
Mix and match to come up with something extraordinary! Whether you’re looking for a snack or a full meal, you can use these garnishes to take your cold soup from good to great. With all the fun flavors, you’ll be sure to beat the heat and beat boredom, all in one.
6. Refreshing Serving Suggestions
When temperatures soar, something cold and light is a welcomed reprieve. Consider exploring some invigorating recipes for cold soups – they’ll provide a cool alternative that’s both refreshing and easy to prepare.
1. Gazpacho – Chock-full of ripe tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, and garlic, gazpacho is a flavorful Spanish soup that’s full of nutrients. Just puree the ingredients together and chill for a few hours before serving this classic soup.
2. Summer Borscht – Beet and cabbage are the cornerstone of this filling and light soup that’s perfect for a hot summer day. This soup is rich in vitamins and fiber; it’s easy to make and requires minimal attention.
3. Fruit-Infused Soup – For something sweet and tangy, a fruit-infused soup is a perfect alternative. Start by combining an array of your favorite fruits such as pineapple, mango, and blueberries, and then purée them together in a blend. Serve cold over ice.
4. Green Gazpacho – Avocados, cucumbers, celery, and green onions marry together to create a deliciously silky-smooth soup that’s hard to resist. Blend those ingredients together and add a dose of cream or sour cream to balance out the flavors.
5. Lobster Bisque - If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a lobster bisque. This soup relies on a rich broth made from tomatoes, onions, celery, leeks, and lobster shells. It’s a decadent and luxurious soup that can be served cold as summer gazpacho.
6. Coconut Soup – Throw a spin on classic coconut milk with this easy and quick soup recipe. Blend cubed potatoes, carrots, and celery with coconut milk to create a silky-smooth consistency. Optionally, add a few dashes of your favorite seasonings for a unique and flavorful soup.
7. Yogurt Soup – When you’re in the mood for something light and tart, give this yogurt soup a try. Serve it as a chilled appetizer or a light lunch. Simply mix together yogurt, cucumbers, and spinach, and season it with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
7. Final Thoughts on Refreshing Recipes
Coming up with a refreshing recipe can be a great way to beat the heat on those hot summer days. Cold soups are a great option for a light and healthy snack or meal. Not only are they delicious, but they can also help keep your body cool and hydrated. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
- Chilled Cucumber Soup: This creamy chilled cucumber soup is the perfect summer treat. All you need is some fresh cucumbers, garlic, yogurt, and olive oil. Blend together and you’ve got yourself a refreshingly cool soup.
- Chilled Tomato Soup: This chilled tomato soup is bursting with flavor and will be sure to help you cool down on a hot summer day. All you need is some ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and some good quality olive oil. Blend all ingredients together and you’re good to go!
- Chilled Avocado Soup: This creamy soup is perfect for those who are looking for a more indulgent cold soup. All you need is some ripe avocados, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno peppers, and heavy cream. Simply blend together and you’re set!
These are just a few recipes to get you started. The possibilities are endless and it’s also easy to customize a soup to your own taste. Try adding in a few of your favorite ingredients to create a unique and delicious cold soup. So the next time you’re looking to beat the heat, try out one of these refreshing recipes!
If your summer heat has you looking for recipes to cool down, give some of these cold soups a try! With many flavors and cuisines to choose from, you’re sure to find a recipe that will make your summer a little more enjoyable.
