Summer is the season of refreshing and light meals. Cold soups are perfect for this season, as they are easy to prepare and can be made in advance. Cold soups are also a great way to get in your daily dose of vegetables and fruits.
In this article, we will be sharing four easy cold soup recipes that are healthy, delicious, and perfect for the summer season.
- Cold Rasam Consomme with Asian-style pickles:
Rasam is a popular South Indian soup that is usually served hot. However, this recipe takes a unique twist by turning it into a cold consomme. This recipe is perfect for those who want to try something different and refreshing. The addition of Asian-style pickles gives this soup a unique flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
For the rasam consomme:
- 3 cups of tomato juice
- 1 cup of tamarind juice
- 1 tbsp of rasam powder
- 1 tsp of cumin powder
- 1 tsp of coriander powder
- 1 tsp of black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup of chopped coriander leaves
For the Asian-style pickles:
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp of sugar
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper powder
- 1/4 tsp of red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup of chopped coriander leaves
Instructions:
For the rasam consomme:
- In a large bowl, mix the tomato juice and tamarind juice.
- Add in the rasam powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add in the chopped coriander leaves and mix well.
- Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
For the Asian-style pickles:
- In a medium bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper powder, and red chili flakes.
- Add in the sliced cucumber and carrot. Mix well.
- Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
To serve:
- Take the rasam consomme out of the refrigerator and give it a good stir.
- Divide the consomme into bowls.
- Take the Asian-style pickles out of the refrigerator and serve them on top of the consomme.
- Garnish with some chopped coriander leaves.
- Watermelon Gazpacho with Ginger Sorbet:
Watermelon is a refreshing fruit that is perfect for the summer season. This gazpacho recipe uses watermelon as the main ingredient and is paired with a ginger sorbet. The combination of sweet watermelon and spicy ginger is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the gazpacho:
- 4 cups of cubed watermelon
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp of sherry vinegar
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
- For the ginger sorbet:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of peeled and grated ginger
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
Instructions:
For the gazpacho:
- In a blender, puree the watermelon, red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion until smooth.
- Add in the sherry vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend again until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
For the ginger sorbet:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Add in the grated ginger and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the ginger.
- Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
To serve:
- Take the gazpacho out of the refrigerator and give it a good stir.
- Divide the gazpacho into bowls.
- Scoop a small ball of ginger sorbet and place it on top of the gazpacho.
- Garnish with some chopped fresh mint.
- Mexican Avocado Soup:
Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and are perfect for making creamy and delicious soups. This Mexican avocado soup is easy to make and is packed with flavor. The addition of corn and black beans gives this soup a nice crunch.
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados 1/2 red onion, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, chopped 2 cups of vegetable broth 1 cup of fresh corn kernels 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro Juice of 1 lime Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, sauté the chopped red onion and garlic over medium heat until they are soft.
- Add in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add in the fresh corn kernels and black beans. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Add in the chopped avocados, cilantro, and lime juice. Blend again until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and heat over low heat until warmed through.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
To serve:
- Divide the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with some chopped cilantro.
- Tomato Gazpacho, The Green Affair:
- Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in gazpacho, and this recipe is no exception. This tomato gazpacho recipe is easy to make and is packed with flavor. The addition of red bell pepper and cucumber gives this soup a nice crunch.
- Tomato Gazpacho:
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- Seeded and chopped 1 red bell pepper
- Seeded and chopped 1/2 cucumber
- Peeled and chopped 1/2 small red onion
- Chopped 2 cloves of garlic
- Chopped 2 tbsp of red wine
- Vinegar
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a blender, puree the tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and garlic until smooth.
- Add in the red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend again until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
To serve:
- Take the gazpacho out of the refrigerator and give it a good stir.
- Divide the gazpacho into bowls.
- Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Cold soups are a great way to stay refreshed and healthy during the summer season. These four easy cold soup recipes are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests. Whether you prefer a classic tomato gazpacho or something more unique like watermelon gazpacho with ginger sorbet, there is something for everyone. These soups are packed with fresh and healthy ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. So, grab your blender and get ready to enjoy these delicious and refreshing cold soups all summer long!
