Cold cucumber soup with avocado

Cold cucumber soup with avocado – an explosion of freshness and health, perfect for hot summer days! This recipe is not only refreshing but also incredibly simple and quick, making it ideal for light yet flavorful meals. The cucumber and avocado soup is a wonderful combination of ingredients, each bringing nutritional benefits, and the creamy texture and fresh flavors make it a true delight.

Before we start cooking, let's enjoy some details about the ingredients. Cucumbers are known for their high water content, helping with hydration, while avocado is packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Together, these ingredients not only provide a delicious taste but also a nourishing meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 3 large cold cucumbers (approx. 900 g)
- Juice of one lemon (or to taste)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt (10% fat)
- 1-2 drops of Tabasco sauce (hot pepper paste, optional)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 seedless tomato, finely chopped
- Olive oil, to taste
- 3-4 basil leaves, sliced thinly
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the cucumbers:
Start by peeling the cucumbers. This step is essential for achieving a smooth texture, but if you prefer a more rustic soup, you can leave the skin on. Cut the cucumbers lengthwise into quarters and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Reserve one quarter for garnish.

2. Puree the cucumbers:
Cut the remaining cucumber into large pieces and place them in a blender or food processor, along with half of the lemon juice. Blend well until you achieve a smooth puree. If you don't have a powerful blender, you can use an immersion blender.

3. Preparing the avocado:
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and carefully peel it. Reserve one half for garnish. Add the remaining avocado to the blender over the cucumber puree. Add the yogurt, Tabasco sauce (if you like heat), and the two tablespoons of olive oil. Blend until you achieve a creamy and smooth mixture.

4. Seasoning:
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a more tangy flavor, you can add more lemon juice. If the soup is too thick, add a little cold water until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Preparing the garnish:
Dice the remaining half of the avocado, the reserved cucumber piece, the red onion, and the tomato. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle the sliced basil. This mixture will add a touch of freshness and texture to your soup.

6. Serving:
Meanwhile, place the soup in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill well. Then, pour the soup into cold bowls, garnish with the chopped vegetable mix, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve the cold soup alongside slices of seeded dark bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Practical tips:
- Choosing ingredients: Make sure the avocado is well-ripened, with smooth skin and slightly soft to the touch. The cucumbers should be crisp and fresh, with no spots or soft areas.
- Vegan option: You can replace the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or another type of plant-based yogurt to make this recipe completely vegan.
- Flavor enhancements: If you're a fan of more intense flavors, you can add a few fresh mint leaves or a bit of crushed garlic to the cucumber puree.
- Storage: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container, but it is recommended to consume the soup on the same day to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

Nutritional benefits:
This cold soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, being an excellent source of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Cucumbers help with hydration, while avocado provides a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can add zucchini or peas to diversify the textures and flavors.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add more Tabasco sauce or even a little finely chopped fresh chili.
- Can this soup be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze it, as the texture of the ingredients will change significantly.

This cold cucumber soup with avocado is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that will delight your senses and bring a touch of freshness to your summer meals. Enjoy!