Chilled Avocado Soup
Chilled Avocado Soup is a refreshing and creamy dish that is perfect for warm weather. With its rich, smooth texture and light, vibrant flavor, this soup makes an excellent appetizer or light meal.
Avocados, known for their healthy fats and smooth consistency, form the base of this soup, creating a silky-smooth texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of fresh ingredients. The soup is served cold, making it ideal for hot summer days when you’re craving something light, cool, and satisfying.
This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Avocados are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential vitamins, making this soup a wholesome and guilt-free option. It’s also easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, preparing a light lunch, or simply craving something different, Chilled Avocado Soup is sure to impress with its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 cups cold vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional for added creaminess)
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small tomato, finely diced (for garnish)
1 small red onion, finely diced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon roasted pumpkin seeds (optional, for crunch)
Ice cubes (optional, for chilling the soup more quickly)
How to Make:
Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by cutting the avocados in half, removing the pits, and scooping the flesh into a blender or food processor. Make sure the avocados are ripe for the smoothest texture. Then, peel and chop the cucumber into small pieces. Set aside a small portion of the tomato, red onion, and cilantro for garnish, and then roughly chop the rest of the vegetables and herbs.
Blend the Soup: In a blender or food processor, add the avocado flesh, chopped cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour in the cold vegetable broth and blend until the soup is completely smooth. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add a bit more broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Add Creaminess (Optional): For a creamier texture, add the Greek yogurt or sour cream to the blender and blend again until fully incorporated. The yogurt adds a nice tangy flavor and extra creaminess to the soup. You can skip this step if you prefer a lighter version or are making a vegan soup.
Season the Soup: Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. If you prefer a bit more heat, adjust the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce. The lime juice adds a fresh zing, but you can add more if you want a more pronounced citrus flavor.
Chill the Soup: Once the soup is blended and seasoned, pour it into a bowl or large container and cover it. Place the soup in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it’s nice and cold. You can also add a few ice cubes to the soup to cool it more quickly if you are in a hurry. The chilled soup enhances the refreshing nature of the avocado, making it perfect for warm days.
Serve and Garnish: Once the soup is chilled, give it a quick stir and ladle it into bowls. Garnish with the reserved chopped tomato, red onion, and fresh cilantro. For an added touch of texture, sprinkle some roasted pumpkin seeds on top for a bit of crunch. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra richness.
Enjoy: Serve the soup immediately, either as a light appetizer or a satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with fresh bread, a crisp salad, or grilled vegetables.
Chef’s Note:
Avocado Quality: The key to a smooth, creamy texture in this soup is using ripe avocados. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating they are ripe but not overly soft. Overripe avocados can make the soup too mushy or give it an off taste.
Vegan Version: For a dairy-free or vegan version of this soup, simply skip the Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also use non-dairy yogurt, such as coconut or almond-based, to maintain the creamy consistency.
Customization: This soup is very versatile. You can experiment by adding other herbs like mint, basil, or parsley for different flavor profiles. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more cayenne pepper or even a chopped jalapeño for a spicier kick.
Serving Tips: If you want to make the soup a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty salad. It’s also delicious with tortilla chips for a light snack or appetizer.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, avocados tend to brown over time, so it’s best to consume the soup within a day or two for the freshest taste. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra lime juice on top before storing to help prevent browning.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 5 grams
Fat: 22 grams
Saturated Fat: 3 grams
Carbohydrates: 18 grams
Fiber: 12 grams
Sugar: 3 grams
Cholesterol: 5 mg (if using yogurt or sour cream)
Sodium: 400 mg (can vary depending on broth used)
Potassium: 700 mg
Vitamin A: 12% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 30% of the DV
Calcium: 6% of the DV
Iron: 10% of the DV
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients used, such as the type of broth, whether you use full-fat or non-fat yogurt, or if additional garnishes are added.
Conclusion:
Chilled Avocado Soup is a perfect dish for warm weather—light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying. The creamy, velvety texture of ripe avocados combined with the freshness of cucumber, cilantro, and lime creates a deliciously smooth soup that is both cooling and nourishing. Whether served as a starter or a light meal, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its healthful fats, fiber, and vitamins, it’s also a great choice for anyone looking for a nutritious and plant-based option. Best of all, this soup is easy to make, customizable, and requires only a few simple ingredients. So, next time the sun is shining and you crave something light and refreshing, this Chilled Avocado Soup will hit the spot.