Indulge in the refreshing breeze of our Cucumber Yogurt Soup With Fresh Dill, a chilled elixir that’s a symphony of coolness and creaminess. Crisp, fresh cucumbers blend seamlessly with velvety yogurt, creating a luxurious texture that glides across the palate. A whisper of garlic and a squeeze of lemon add zesty undertones, transforming each spoonful into a vibrant dance of flavors. Dive into this bowl of rejuvenation and let the cool, tangy delight refresh your senses!
Immerse your senses in the refreshing allure of our cucumber yogurt soup, a quintessential summer dish. As the season’s heat peaks, indulge in this vibrant creation, a delightful symphony of crisp cucumber, creamy yogurt, and the concentrated essence of fresh dill.
A spoonful introduces a wave of contrasting textures and flavors, an adventure that tantalizes and soothes. This unique blend is more than a meal; it’s a cooling oasis, the epitome of culinary refreshment.
A celebration of simplicity and nature’s bounty, it’s a testament to how the right ingredients can create a memorable gastronomic experience. Dive into this rejuvenating, healthy treat today.
What Is Cucumber Yogurt Soup With Fresh Dill?
Cucumber yogurt soup with fresh dill is chilled, creamy, and perfect for the warmer months. This dish combines the refreshing crunch of cucumbers, the creamy tanginess of yogurt, and the subtle aromatic complexity of fresh dill.
A simple yet delightful blend of these primary ingredients and some seasoning creates a light and refreshing soup. Its smooth texture and crisp flavor notes make it an ideal appetizer or a light lunch, often enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread.
Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?
- Additional Herbs You could add other herbs, such as mint or basil, for a variation in flavor. Mint adds a refreshing note, while basil contributes a sweet, peppery undertone.
- Spices Consider a dash of ground cumin or coriander for a warm, earthy flavor. A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper can give a subtle heat to the soup.
- Fruits For a surprising twist, add fruits like chopped avocados for creaminess, or diced apples, pears, or melons for a sweet crunch.
- Vegetables You could include other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for an extra crunch.
- Protein Add cooked, shredded chicken or tofu cubes to make the soup more filling.
Recipe Directions
- Combine diced cucumbers, Greek yogurt, water (or chicken stock), torn pita bread, dill weed, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly balanced.
- Once blended to perfection, transfer the soup to a container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- When the time comes, bring forth the chilled creation, radiating with coolness and serenity.
- Serve it in chilled bowls, garnished with a sprig of dill or a drizzle of olive oil. As you take the first spoonful, relish the soothing sensation that washes over you, as if transporting you to a tranquil oasis.
- Enjoy the delightful symphony of flavors and the sheer bliss that Cucumber Yogurt Soup brings to your palate.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Herb Variations: Substitute dill with mint, basil, or parsley for a different herbal note. You could also use a combination of herbs.
- Spiced Version: Incorporate spices like ground cumin, coriander, or a dash of cayenne for a warm, earthy twist.
- Vegan Version: Substitute dairy yogurt with a non-dairy alternative like coconut or almond-based yogurt.
Add-Ons
- Protein: Add cooked and shredded chicken, prawns, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Grains: Cooked quinoa, couscous, or bulgur can be added for more body and to make the soup a filling meal.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, radishes, or carrots can add an extra crunch and vibrant color.
Toppings
- Cheeses: A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a salty tanginess.
- Nuts and Seeds: Toasted almonds, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds can add a delightful crunch.
- Croutons: Homemade croutons can add a lovely contrasting texture.
- Drizzles: A swirl of extra virgin olive oil or a drizzle of chili oil can elevate the flavor profile.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh herbs on top can intensify the herbal aroma.
Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Slow Cooker
- Add chopped cucumbers, a bit of vegetable broth or water, and additional ingredients like garlic or onions to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for about 2-3 hours until the cucumbers are tender.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then blend until smooth. Stir in the yogurt and chopped fresh dill, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Chill the soup before serving, or serve it warm based on your preference.
Instant Pot
- Use the sauté setting to cook any additional ingredients like garlic or onions.
- Add the chopped cucumbers and a bit of vegetable broth or water, then secure the lid and cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then blend until smooth. Stir in the yogurt and fresh dill, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Chill the soup before serving, or serve it warm based on your preference.
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
- The broth is usually excluded from the traditional recipe for cucumber yogurt soup with fresh dill. The soup’s base typically consists of cucumbers, yogurt, and seasonings, without added liquid. The result is a light, refreshing, chilled soup, perfect for warm weather.
- However, suppose you’re modifying the recipe to include broth or trying a warm variation of this soup. You can certainly use store-bought or homemade broth based on your preference and convenience.
- Store-bought broth can save time and effort but choose a low-sodium, high-quality option to control the salt content and avoid artificial additives or preservatives.
- homemade broth allows you to customize the flavor profile to suit your taste. You can control the ingredients and their proportions, making achieving the flavor you desire for your soup easier. Just keep in mind that making broth at home can be time-consuming.
How To Serve ?
- Chill It: This soup is best served chilled. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least a couple of hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the soup to cool thoroughly.
- Serve in Pre-chilled Bowls: To keep the soup cool for longer while serving, you should chill the serving bowls in the refrigerator beforehand.
- Garnish: Just before serving, garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and maybe even a few thin cucumber slices or a dollop of yogurt.
- Serve with Bread: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a Salad or Light Main: Due to its delicate nature, the soup works well as a starter for a summer meal. Consider pairing it with a fresh salad or a light main dish like grilled fish or chicken.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Grilled Pita Bread or Naan: The slightly charred, warm bread pairs excellently with the cold, creamy soup. You can also cut the bread into smaller pieces for easy dipping.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A salad with quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese would complement the flavors in the soup and add a vital element to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions would add a nice contrast to the chilled soup.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: If you’re looking for a protein-packed side, grilled chicken or fish would go well with this soup. The smoky flavor from the grill nicely counterbalances the freshness of the soup.
- Herbed Flatbreads: Flatbreads seasoned with herbs like rosemary or thyme would make a tasty and satisfying side.
Storage And Make Ahead
- Grate for Texture: Instead of chopping, try grating the cucumber for a smoother texture in your soup. It adds a refreshing crunch without overwhelming the soup’s creaminess.
- Greek Yogurt Boost: Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier consistency and a tangy flavor. It adds protein and a luxurious texture to the soup.
- Fresh Herbs: Add a handful of fresh herbs like dill or mint for a burst of fresh flavor. Chop them finely and sprinkle over the soup just before serving.
- Spice it Up: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of paprika. It adds a subtle heat that complements the coolness of the cucumber and yogurt.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
- Refreshing Dip: Use the soup for fresh vegetables or pita bread. It’ll have a consistency similar to tzatziki and can make a great appetizer.
- Salad Dressing: Use the soup as a unique salad dressing. Toss it with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and protein for a light, refreshing meal.
- Marinade: The soup can be a flavorful chicken or fish marinade. The yogurt helps to tenderize the meat, and the cucumber and dill add a refreshing flavor.
- Sauce for Grilled Veggies or Fish: The chilled soup can be a cooling sauce for grilled vegetables or fish.
TIPS
- Storage:Â Store leftover cucumber yogurt soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead:Â You can make this soup ahead of time by preparing the cucumber and yogurt base and storing it in the refrigerator. Add the fresh herbs and seasonings just before serving for the best flavor.
- Freezing:Â Cucumber yogurt soup does not freeze well due to the dairy content. It can separate and become watery upon thawing.
- Reheating:Â Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Do not boil.
Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Soup With Fresh Dill Soup – A Healthy Delight
4
servings15
minutes0
minutes120
kcalThis recipe is for a refreshing and creamy cucumber soup. It combines diced cucumbers, Greek yogurt, dill weed, honey, and seasonings to create a chilled and flavorful soup.
Ingredients
6 6 Mini Cucumbers (Roughly Diced) (Or 1 English Cucumber)
8 Oz 8 Plain Greek Yogurt (0% Fat)
1 Cup 1 Water (Or Substitute Chicken Stock)
1 1 Oat Bran Or Whole Wheat Pita Bread (Pita Bread (Torn Into Pieces))
3 Tbsp 3 Fresh Dill Weed
1 Tbsp 1 Honey (or more To Taste)
Kosher Salt (To Taste)
Fresh Ground Pepper (To Taste)
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preparation Steps
Peel the cucumbers and chop them into small chunks.
Chop the fresh dill finely, reserving a few sprigs for garnish - Cooking
There’s no cooking involved in this recipe! - Blending
Place the chopped cucumber, yogurt, dill, salt, and pepper in a blender.
Blend until smooth or until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Touches:
Pour the soup into a large bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend and intensify - Serving
After chilling, give the soup a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Pour the soup into individual bowls, drizzle with olive oil, garnish with the reserved dill sprigs, and serve. - EQUIPMENT LIST
- Blender Or Food Processor
- Cutting Board And Knife
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Refrigerator
Notes
- Cucumber Variation: Using mini cucumbers, you can leave the skin on for added texture and color. If using English cucumbers, it’s best to peel them as the skin can be tougher.
- Adjusting Texture: The amount of water or chicken stock can be adjusted to achieve your desired thickness. Add more liquid for a thinner soup or reduce it for a thicker consistency.
- Optional Garnish: For added visual appeal, consider garnishing the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of dill weed, or some freshly diced cucumbers.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the cucumber soup as a starter or alongside a fresh salad for a light and refreshing meal. It can also be enjoyed as a chilled snack on a hot day.