The east coast is being bombarded by a harsh heat wave; and if you’re anything like me, the hot, humid, sticky weather can completely squash your desire to cook.
| Name: | Chilled Avocado Soup |
|---|---|
| Cuisine: | Mexican |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time: | 0 minutes |
| Total Time: | 2 hours |
| Servings: | 4 |
| Yield: | 4 cups |
I don’t seem to be one of those people who lose their appetite in the heat, (my appetite is a near constant companion, despite the season), but I do crave cool, no-cook meals in weather that encroaches on the triple digits.
Sure, I could easily eat some ice cream or yogurt for dinner, but I also have a husband to feed… and ice cream does not a manly meal make.
I initially hesitated to call this dish “soup”, because it is a) served cold and b) much thicker than most soups.
So thick, in fact, that it borders on dip-consistency. Look at that creamy texture!
The avocado “soup” is delicious on its own, thanks to tangy buttermilk, tart lime juice, smoky cumin, and verdant cilantro, but it just begs for a textural and color addition.
I went with a combination of sweet (corn) & spicy (chipotle hot sauce) toppings, but you could use whatever you like.
Black beans, chopped tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips… whatever sparks your interest, toss it on.
I hope – for your sake – that you are somewhere less oppressively hot than it is here… but if you are also suffocating in this muggy heat, this avocado soup is one step towards cooling off!
Chilled Avocado Soup
Printer-Friendly Recipe
yield: 2 small (side dish or appetizer-size) servings
Soup Ingredients
- 1 ripe medium-sized avocado, peeled & pitted
- 1/2 cup low fat buttermilk, well-shaken
- 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable stock (or 1/2 cup for a thinner consistency)
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (I used chipotle chile powder)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Avocados
Cut the ripe avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
Blend the Avocado Mixture
Add the vegetable broth, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cucumber to the blender or food processor with the avocados. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add the chopped jalapeño pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Season to Taste
Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper to your liking. Blend again to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
Chill the Soup
Transfer the soup to a bowl or container and cover it. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill thoroughly.
Serve
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the chilled avocado soup into bowls. Garnish with finely diced red onion and a sprig of fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.
Enjoy
Serve your Chilled Avocado Soup as a refreshing appetizer or a light meal. It’s perfect with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for added crunch.
Chilled Avocado Soup is a true celebration of summer flavors. Its creamy texture and zesty kick make it a standout dish that’s not only delicious but also loaded with healthy fats and essential nutrients. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and refreshing meal option, whip up a batch of this soup, and savor the taste of summer in a bowl.
Nutritional Information Per Serving(without accoutrements)
Calories:250 calories per serving
Protein:7 grams per serving
Fat:20 grams per serving
Saturated Fat:3 grams per serving
Monounsaturated Fat:14 grams per serving
Polyunsaturated Fat:2.5 grams per serving
Carbohydrates:15 grams per serving
Fiber:7 grams per serving
Sugar:4 grams per serving
Cholesterol:5 milligrams per serving
Sodium:300 milligrams per serving
Potassium:700 milligrams per serving
Vitamin C:15% of the daily recommended intake per serving
Vitamin A:10% of the daily recommended intake per serving
Calcium:8% of the daily recommended intake per serving
Iron:6% of the daily recommended intake per serving
Please note that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used in the recipe. Additionally, these values are based on a standard serving size of the Chilled Avocado Soup. Adjustments may be needed depending on the exact quantities and portion sizes you serve.
