Escape the heat and refresh your palate with our Chilled Melon Soup, a summer symphony of sweet, juicy melons blended to silky perfection. Infused with a hint of mint and a splash of lime, this light and airy soup is the ultimate refresher, a cooling breeze in a bowl. Served chilled, it’s a perfect way to start a meal or a delightful dessert on a hot day. Dive in and let the vibrant flavors dance on your taste buds!

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Dive into the glorious world of refreshing delights as we unravel the secret behind the stunningly vibrant Chilled Melon Soup. A testament to summer’s grandeur, this gem offers a unique culinary journey, promising a lingering sweetness married with a subtle chill, the perfect antidote to sweltering heat.

Its charismatic allure lies in the simplicity of fresh, juicy melons metamorphosed into a velvety texture. The ephemeral dance of flavors, born from the harmony of melons and a subtle hint of mint, beckons your taste buds, leaving them in an irresistible yearning.

This is more than just a dish; it’s an experience of redefining summer indulgence, transporting you to breezy Mediterranean orchards with every spoonful. Lovers of adventure, embark on this gastronomic odyssey and bask in the glory of this remarkable offering.

Chilled Melon Soup – a haven for those seeking bliss in a bowl, for those who find solace in the art of savoring exquisite gourmet delights.

What Is Chilled Melon Soup?

Chilled Melon Soup is a delightful summertime dish that serves as a refreshing antidote to the season’s heat. It’s a blend of ripe, sweet melons, typically honeydew or cantaloupe, pureed to a silky consistency.

It’s often enhanced with flavors like mint, ginger, or citrus. Served chilled, this soup is an aromatic fusion of fruity sweetness and cool relief.

Perfect for a light appetizer or a dessert, Chilled Melon Soup brings an unusual yet delightful twist to traditional soup offerings.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

The Chilled Melon Soup is inherently versatile and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Keto: Use a low-carb melon like watermelon, add a keto-friendly sweetener if needed, and perhaps some heavy cream for added richness.
Paleo: Stick to the basic recipe of fresh melon and herbs, possibly adding a touch of raw honey for extra sweetness.
Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free; just ensure any additional ingredients or garnishes are also gluten-free.
Whole30: Make sure to use fresh, compliant ingredients. Avoid any added sugars, sticking to fresh melon, herbs, and spices for flavor.
Vegetarian/Vegan: This soup is typically vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by avoiding the use of honey or dairy products.

Recipe Directions

Start by heating 180 ml of olive oil in a large pot. Add the 120 g of almonds, stirring until they reach a golden-brown hue.
Introduce the 360 g of chopped onions and 60 ml of garlic to the pot. Stir occasionally, cooking until they soften and turn translucent.
Incorporate the 2.4 kg of diced cantaloupe and honeydew melons. Allow them to cook for about 10 minutes or until they begin to soften.
Add 60 ml of agave nectar or honey and 1 liter of buttermilk. Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Once cooled, add in 60 ml of chopped basil leaves. Blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Season your soup with salt according to your taste. Then strain it to ensure a silky texture, cool, cover, and refrigerate.
Serve chilled, garnishing with Crisp Prosciutto Chips and microgreens to contrast the smooth soup with a bit of crunch and freshness.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations: Experiment with diverse melon types like watermelon or exotic melons for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or fresh ginger to introduce a surprising kick.
Tropical Twist: Mix in some coconut milk instead of buttermilk for a tropical twist.
Sweet Indulgence: Drizzle a spoonful of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
Savory Option: Incorporate a handful of diced cucumber or bell pepper for a savory version.
Toppings: Consider toasted nuts or seeds for a crunchy contrast, blueberries or raspberries for added color and tang, or a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a creamy finish.
Garnish: Fresh mint leaves, edible flowers, or zesty citrus zest can elevate the presentation.
Add-Ons: Accompany with a side of crusty bread, cheese, or chilled shrimp for a fuller meal.
Drinks: Pair it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling to complement its flavors.
Vegan Alternative: Replace buttermilk with almond milk and agave nectar with maple syrup for a vegan version.

Can I Make Chilled Melon Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make the Chilled Melon Soup, although it’s not commonly done due to the relatively short cooking time this soup requires.

Slow Cooker

Add all the ingredients except the basil and garnishes into your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 2 hours or until the melon is completely softened.
Once done, let it cool for a bit, then transfer to a blender, add the basil and blend until smooth. Then follow the remaining steps in the original recipe.

Instant Pot

Use the Sauté function to brown the almonds and sweat the onions and garlic. Add the melon, agave nectar, and buttermilk. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual for about 5 minutes.
Let the pressure release naturally. Once done and cool enough to handle, blend with the basil and follow the remaining steps in the original recipe.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

For this particular Chilled Melon Soup recipe, no broth is used. The primary liquid base is derived from the melons themselves and supplemented with buttermilk, and the flavor is built up with the addition of onions, garlic, almonds, and basil.

However, if you’re looking at a recipe variant that includes broth or considering adding broth to this recipe, you can use either store-bought or homemade.

Store-bought broth can be a time-saver and is perfectly fine to use. Look for low-sodium versions to have better control over the saltiness of your soup.

Homemade broth, on the other hand, allows you to control the ingredients and flavors more closely. It can add depth to your soup if you have the time and ingredients to make homemade broth.

How To Serve?

Serving Chilled Melon Soup is a delightful affair that makes the most of its refreshing qualities. Here are some suggestions:

Proper Temperature: Always serve the soup well-chilled. This enhances its refreshing flavor and makes it perfect for hot weather. You can refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving or even pop it in the freezer for a few minutes if you’re in a rush.
Presentation: Serve the soup in chilled bowls to keep it cool for longer. A clear glass bowl can also showcase the soup’s vibrant color.
Garnishing: Garnish with crumbled Crisp Prosciutto Chips and microgreens as suggested in the original recipe. This adds a bit of crunch and visual appeal. Fresh mint leaves, a sprinkle of ground black pepper, or a swirl of cream can also enhance its appearance.
Accompaniment: As the soup is light and refreshing, it pairs well with a hearty sandwich or crusty bread. Alternatively, it can be served as a unique starter or palate cleanser during a multi-course meal.
Portions: The soup is quite rich, so smaller portions might be more appropriate. A small cup or shot glass portion can be a fun way to present it if serving as a starter.

Perfect Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken or Shrimp Skewers: The smoky, savory flavors of grilled meats or seafood make a delightful contrast with the sweet, refreshing soup.
Caprese Salad: A fresh salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil would complement the light, summery vibe of the soup.
Bruschetta: The crisp texture and tangy flavors of bruschetta, a traditional Italian starter, can balance the soup’s sweetness.
Crusty Bread: A simple side of freshly baked bread can be a great accompaniment, providing a textural contrast and helping to make the meal more filling.
Quiche: A slice of light, savory quiche can provide a pleasant contrast and make the meal more substantial.
Cold Pasta Salad: A vibrant, veggie-packed pasta salad can match the chilled soup’s refreshing quality and add a satisfying substance to the meal.

Storage And Make Ahead

Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze the soup, the texture may change slightly. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
Thawing: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving.
Make Ahead: This soup is ideal for making ahead. Prepare the soup as directed, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving for the flavors to meld.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Smoothie Base: Blend it with a banana or some yogurt for a refreshing smoothie.
Ice Pops: Pour the leftover soup into ice pop molds and freeze for a unique, cooling treat.
Salad Dressing: Reduce the soup to a thicker consistency on the stove and use it as a sweet dressing over a summer salad.
Sorbet: Freeze the soup in an ice cream maker (or in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes) to create a light, palate-cleansing sorbet.
Sauce: Use it as a sweet sauce over grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp.

TIPS

Opt for ripe melons for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Add a splash of citrus juice, like lime or lemon, to enhance the melon’s natural sweetness.
Consider blending in a small amount of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
For a creamier texture, blend in a small amount of yogurt or coconut milk.
Chill all ingredients before blending to enhance the soup’s refreshing quality.
Garnish with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Serve in chilled bowls or glasses for an extra refreshing experience.
Experiment with different melon varieties, such as cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon, for unique flavor profiles.

25-Minutes Chilled Melon Soup – Exotic And Delicious Palate

5 from 5 votes

Recipe by Hanna Barnes Course: Soup Recipes

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

Chilled Melon Soup – a summer masterpiece blending sweet, juicy melons, the crunch of golden almonds, and the creamy tang of buttermilk, kissed with fragrant basil and agave nectar.

Ingredients

180 Ml 180 Olive Oil
120 Gm 120 Almonds, Sliced, Blanched
360 Gm 360 Onion, Chopped
60 Ml 60 Garlic, Chopped
1.2 Kg 1.2 Cantaloupe, Peeled, Seeded, Large Dice
1.2 Kg 1.2 Honeydew, Peeled, Seeded, Large Dice
60 Ml 60 Agave Nectar Or Honey
1 It 1 Buttermilk
60 ml 60 Basil leaves, Chopped
TT Salt
30 Ml 30 Balsamic Vinegar
As Needed Crisp Prosciutto Chips (Recipe Follows)
As Needed Microgreens

Step-By-Step Directions

Warm your large sauce pot over medium heat.
Pour in the olive oil.
Add almonds, stirring until they reach a golden-brown hue.
Incorporate onions and garlic into the pot, allowing them to sweat until they’re translucent.
Introduce the melons, cooking for roughly 10 minutes until the fruit becomes softer and begins to break down.
Mix in the agave nectar and buttermilk, returning the soup to a gentle simmer.
Continue to cook for approximately 15 minutes until the melons are fully soft and the flavors have melded together.
Remove the soup from heat, allowing it to cool for several minutes.
Process the slightly cooled soup in a blender along with fresh basil leaves until you achieve a smooth consistency. Remember to do this in several batches if your blender is small.
Season your soup with a pinch of salt to taste.
Strain the soup through a coarse mesh strainer into a nonreactive container.
Allow the soup to cool down before covering it. Once covered, place it in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, pour the soup into chilled bowls.
Add the final touch with a garnish of crumbled Crisp Prosciutto Chips and microgreens. Enjoy your chilled, refreshing Melon Soup.
EQUIPMENT LIST
Large Sauce Pot
Blender
Strainer
Mixing Spoons
Knife and Cutting Board
Bowls
Non-reactive Container
Ladle

Notes

Choose ripe melons for the best flavor.
The soup’s consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less buttermilk according to preference.
Agave nectar can be replaced with honey or entirely omitted for a less sweet soup.
Ensure the soup is thoroughly chilled before serving for the best taste experience.
Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer shelf life.
Experiment with garnishes like fresh herbs, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a swirl of cream for variations.
Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Remember, the flavors will meld and mellow as the soup chills.

Nutrition Table

Author
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Hanna Barnes

Hanna is a writer at Soup Chick. Yulia's website reignited her passion for crafting affordable, veggie-packed soups. She is certified by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and has expertise in healthy, baking, and vegan cuisine. With years of food blogging and collaborating with chefs, she offers a range of recipes on Soup Chick, from classic broths to the heavenly slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Join her in creating flavorsome, wholesome soups in your kitchen!