Cucumber soup might not immediately top your list of comfort foods, but let me tell you-it deserves a spot! This cold cucumber soup with sour cream is the perfect blend of refreshing, creamy, and subtly tangy, making it a fantastic option for a light appetizer or a refreshing dish to cool you down on a hot summer day. It’s one of those recipes that’s deceptively simple but still manages to wow everyone who tries it.
Whether you’re a fan of chilled soups like gazpacho or just in the mood for something new, cucumber soup offers a clean, crisp flavor profile that is both hydrating and satisfying. The combination of fresh cucumbers with the richness of sour cream and a few other basic ingredients creates a bowl of pure joy.
So, grab your kitchen tools, and let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful dish from scratch!
Cold Cucumber Soup With Sour Cream Recipe
This cold cucumber soup is incredibly easy to make and perfect for serving in any season, but it really shines during the warmer months. The cool cucumbers and creamy sour cream provide a delightful contrast, while fresh herbs and a bit of seasoning round it all off. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, but the results are always a showstopper.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a straightforward list of the ingredients you’ll need to bring this soup to life:
- Cucumbers: Use 2 large cucumbers (about 1 lb or 450g). Fresh, firm cucumbers with tender skins are best.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup of full-fat sour cream gives the soup a luscious, creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or a non-dairy substitute.
- Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons of fresh dill will add a fragrant, herbal note that pairs perfectly with cucumber.
- Garlic: 1 or 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced. Garlic adds a punch of flavor that enhances the soup’s subtlety.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This will brighten the whole dish and cut through the richness of the sour cream.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil adds a bit of smoothness and richness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) to bring out the flavors and balance the soup.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper to taste. It gives the soup just enough of a kick.
- Water or Vegetable Broth: About 1 cup. Use vegetable broth for a deeper flavor, or opt for water if you want the cucumber and sour cream to shine more.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to bring all those ingredients together to create a chilled cucumber soup:
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Prepare The Cucumbers
- Peel the cucumbers if you prefer, but it’s not necessary-especially if you’re using organic cucumbers. Cut them into chunks.
- Remove the seeds if you like a smoother texture, or leave them in for a more rustic, chunky consistency.
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Blend The Soup
- Place the cucumber chunks into a blender or food processor.
- Add the sour cream, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Add about 1 cup of cold water or vegetable broth to help blend everything smoothly.
- Season with salt and pepper. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until you get a silky-smooth consistency.
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Chill The Soup
- Once blended, taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.
- Transfer the soup to a large bowl or a pitcher and refrigerate for at least an hour (longer if you have the time). The cold temperature enhances the flavors and gives the soup a refreshing edge.
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Garnish And Serve
- Just before serving, chop up the fresh dill and sprinkle it generously on top of the soup.
- You can also drizzle a little extra sour cream on top for a bit of flair.
- Serve it chilled in individual bowls or glasses, and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
- Cucumbers: These cool, crunchy vegetables are 95% water, which makes them a perfect choice for hydrating during summer. They’re low in calories and packed with antioxidants, which promote good health.
- Sour Cream: Beyond its creamy texture, sour cream has a tangy flavor that complements the coolness of cucumbers beautifully. It’s also rich in healthy fats, which can help keep you fuller longer, despite the lightness of the soup.
- Dill: This herb is aromatic and slightly tangy, offering an extra dimension to the soup. Dill is also great for digestion, which makes it not just flavorful, but functional too.
- Garlic: While garlic is known for its bold taste, in this soup, it offers a more subtle heat, enhancing the flavor without overpowering the delicate cucumber notes.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice balances out the creamy richness of the sour cream, making sure the soup doesn’t feel too heavy and keeps your palate refreshed.
Expert Tips
- For Extra Smoothness: If you want an ultra-creamy soup, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve after blending. This will remove any bits of cucumber or garlic that didn’t blend perfectly.
- Herb Variation: Dill is the classic herb to pair with cucumber, but you can experiment with fresh mint, tarragon, or parsley for different flavor profiles. Mint, especially, adds an extra refreshing layer.
- Make it Vegan: Swap out the sour cream for coconut yogurt or cashew cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free version. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: The colder the soup, the more refreshing it becomes. Make sure to give it time to chill in the fridge before serving for the best experience.
Recipe Variations
- Add Avocado: For a creamy, slightly richer twist, blend half an avocado into the soup. It will thicken the texture and add a subtle flavor that pairs well with the cucumber.
- Spicy Option: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also toss in some finely chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Crunchy Toppings: To add texture, serve with crunchy croutons, toasted seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin), or a few fresh cucumber slices on top.
- Make it a Meal: Add a boiled egg on top for some extra protein. You can also serve the soup alongside a light salad or a piece of crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
Final Words
This cold cucumber soup with sour cream is the epitome of a fresh, light dish that’s perfect for any occasion where you want something easy, refreshing, and healthy. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a light appetizer before a main course, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy. The combination of creamy and fresh, tangy and cool, makes each spoonful a delightful experience.