Beat the Heat with These 6 Cold Soup Ideas

Summer is a fun season that many people have been waiting for. However, due to the changes in the environment, the weather tends to be too hot. Fortunately, there are various ways you can do to beat the heat. One of these is to try some cold soup.

While ice cream and other cold beverages can do the trick, you can also try cold soups to help you make up for the drained energy caused by the heat of the sun. Aside from the cold temperature, cold soups also offer different textures and flavours.

So if you’re interested to get to know more about these cold soups, don’t hesitate to check the list below!

1. Gazpacho

Of course, first on the list is the most popular cold soup, Gazpacho. It originated in the Andalusian region of Spain, where Summer can be too hot. So if you visit Spanish restaurants, you can try the authentic ones.

Gazpacho is made of various raw vegetables, including ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, garlic, onions, wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. These vegetables are cut into smaller pieces and blended all together. But the original recipe prefers pounding the vegetables over blending to avoid the foamy texture. And as you know, it’s served cold.

Meanwhile, other recipes include stale bread that thickens the soup. However, if you don’t feel like it, you can stick with the all-vegetable recipe mentioned. The freshness of the vegetables compliments the soup’s temperature, making it a great Summer soup.

If you’re planning to make one at home, you can add some garnish, like Jamon, mint, and chopped green bell peppers.

2. Vichyssoise

Are you a fan of creamy soups? You may also enjoy a cold twist when you try the Vichyssoise, which originated in France. It’s traditionally made with potatoes, leeks, onions, vegetable stock, and cream.

However, it may also contain parsnips and other seasonal vegetables. Unlike the Gazapcho, Vichyssoise is cooked first by preparing the ingredients. Next, saute the leeks in butter, and add the broth, potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat while covered, reduce the heat to low, and remove the cover once it’s simmering.

Once the potatoes are tender, remove the soup from the heat, and let it cool. Once cooled, puree it. But before you serve it, don’t forget to chill it for a while. Meanwhile, you can top it with crunchy garlic, croutons, or any sharp cheese.

3. Watermelon Soup

Don’t worry, Watermelon Soup isn’t too sweet or too salty. It’s the right balance of savoury and sweet that can help you get through a hot Summer day.

As you may have guessed, this soup looks similar to Gazpacho, but with a whole lot different taste. As it has the same process and preparation, you also need to blend everything to create a smooth texture.

Usually, it’s made with watermelon, lime juice or vinegar, salt, and honey. However, if the watermelon is sweet enough, you can omit the honey. Additionally, if you want to balance the flavour, you may opt to finish it with some crushed pepper or cayenne powder.

4. Cucumber Avocado Soup

Another fruit-based treat is the Cucumber Avocado Soup, which originated in Andalusia. Similar to Gazpacho, you can also try this at Spanish restaurants. It’s prepared by blending ripe avocados, chilled cucumbers, lime juice, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs. You can also add some dill, clove, and cumin to create a balance of savoury and sweet.

If you want a different variation, you can start the step by sauteing onion and garlic in olive oil and adding the cucumbers. After that, blend it with the rest of the ingredients.

Meanwhile, if you want to skip sauteing, you can add more savoury treats as a garnish, such as crap sticks or corn. Of course, don’t forget some croutons on top.

5. Beet Borscht

The Beet Borscht originated from Eastern Europe, specifically in Ukraine. As you know, Beet Borscht has a vibrant red colour because of the beets. But aside from that, it’s also combined with sour cream, vinegar, and dill.

Beet Borscht is a soup where you can get enough vitamins and minerals given the ingredients. In addition, since it can be served cold, it can also be a great cooling option.

However, since Beet Borscht has been around for a while, the taste can be different depending on where you are.

6. Thai Coconut Soup

Thai Cold Coconut Soup is another must-try this Summer! It’s made with coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger, lime, and That spices. It offers a balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy, so you’ll enjoy different flavours matched with its coolness.

Final thoughts

As you encounter the heat every day this Summer, it’s a great idea to chill with some cold soups. With the six cold soup ideas mentioned, you can experience different flavours and textures that will help you get through the heat.

 

We hope you enjoyed reading this article, and let us know which of these soups is your favourite by leaving a comment below!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer who also loves cooking dishes from different countries. If you want to experience a Barcelona-style restaurant that serves high-quality food, and a modern, contemporary, fresh feel from the south of Europe, visit TAST Catala Spanish Restaurant.