Cold cucumber and yogurt soup with mint

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
9 Min Read

Recipe for Cold cucumber and yogurt soup with mint

This cold cucumber and yogurt soup with mint it is a light and refreshing option, ideal for combating summer heat. Its fresh and creamy combination makes it a healthy appetizer that is prepared quickly, without the need for cooking. Perfect for those looking for an easy and nutritious dish, which provides hydration and a very pleasant touch of Mediterranean flavor.

Preparation time

This recipe does not require much dedication and is made in a few minutes:

  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 0 minutes
  • Total: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • 3 cucumbers
  • 1/4 spring onion
  • 100 ml mineral water
  • 2 unsweetened Greek yogurts
  • 1/2 lime juice
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 3-4 mint or spearmint leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste

In case you cannot find Greek yogurt, you can use thick natural yogurt or a soy yogurt for a vegan version, slightly adjusting the texture by adding a little more water if needed.

Utensils we will use

  • Blender or food processor
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing spoon
  • Bowl or pitcher to reserve the soup
  • Strainer (optional for a smoother finish)

Preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients

  1. Wash the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water, making sure to remove any dirt. This is important to maintain freshness and clean flavor.
  2. Peel, leaving some skin: Peel the cucumbers, but leave some skin to provide texture and green color that makes the soup more attractive.
  3. Chop: Cut the cucumbers into medium pieces to facilitate the blender's work.
  4. Peel and chop the spring onion and garlic: Peel the garlic clove and the spring onion, cut them into small pieces that the blender can process uniformly.

2. Blend the mixture

  1. Add ingredients to the blender cup: Add the chopped cucumbers, Greek yogurt, water, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, spring onion, and mint leaves.
  2. Add seasonings: Add a pinch of salt and ground pepper to enhance the flavors.
  3. Blend until a fine cream is achieved: Process everything until a very smooth texture is obtained, characteristic of this cold soup. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more mineral water to adjust.
  4. Strain (optional): If you want a more refined texture, pass the soup through a fine-mesh strainer.

3. Chill and serve

  1. Store it cold: Pour the soup into a pitcher or sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enjoy it well chilled.
  2. Adjust seasoning before serving: Taste the soup to correct salt or lemon if necessary.
  3. Serve with fresh mint leaves: To decorate, place a few mint leaves on each plate or bowl.

To finish and serve

Before serving, make sure the soup is at the ideal temperature, very cold, which enhances its refreshing effect. You can accompany it with toasted bread or add it to a summer menu that includes light dishes, such as some wild rice salads or Mediterranean vegetables. This type of cold soup is ideal to start a meal or as a healthy appetizer.


Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Proteins: 5 g
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

These values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on specific ingredients and quantity used.


7 practical tips to achieve a cold cucumber and yogurt soup with the perfect texture

Achieving an ideal texture in this soup is fundamental for it to be fully enjoyed. Here are some key tips to make it smooth and creamy, without losing freshness or flavor.

  1. Keep some of the cucumber skin: Do not peel completely to add a touch of color and subtle texture without it being bitter.
  2. Use natural Greek yogurt: It helps to add creaminess without adding much fat, and gives it a characteristic flavor.
  3. Blend well in several stages: First blend solid ingredients and then add liquids to avoid lumps.
  4. Adjust the amount of water: If the soup is too thick, add water little by little, so as not to lose flavor concentration.
  5. Refrigerate before serving: Allow the flavors to blend and the dish to be fresh, enhancing its refreshing character.
  6. Incorporate leaves of fresh mint: Its aroma is fundamental to enhance the flavor.
  7. Add a touch of lime just before serving: The acid adds brightness and balances the creamy texture.

When is it ideal to enjoy cold cucumber and yogurt soup with mint?

This dish is a total hit during warm seasons, especially in the summer months when the need for light and hydrating meals increases. It is perfect as an appetizer at family gatherings or as a light starter before a main meal. In addition, it is practical for days when cooking energy is minimal and something fresh and healthy is desired. On occasions such as fresh snacks or quick dinners, its light texture and fresh flavor make it stand out without being heavy.


Comparison of similar recipes for summer

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Cold cucumber and yogurt soup with mintCucumber, Greek yogurt, mintCreamy texture and refreshing flavor without cooking
Pineapple and cucumber gazpachoCucumber, pineapple, tomatoSweet fruity touch and use of tomato
Pea soup with mintPeas, mint, brothMore vegetable flavor and with a cooked base
Cold cream of cucumber and avocadoCucumber, avocado, creamMore unctuous and with a denser texture
TzatzikiYogurt, cucumber, garlicMore dip-like consistency, ideal for spreading
Cold cucumber and dill soupCucumber, yogurt, dillUse of dill instead of mint for a different flavor
Fresh cucumber and yogurt saladCucumber, yogurt, lemonSimpler version, no blending needed

5 tricks that help enhance the flavor and texture in this cold soup

  1. Use fresh and firm cucumbers: The freshest ones provide better texture and intense flavor.
  2. Include lime juice: Its acidity balances the creamy flavor and adds brightness.
  3. Don't overdo the garlic: A single clove is enough to prevent it from overpowering other flavors.
  4. Macerate the mint before blending: This releases its aroma and enhances the freshness.
  5. Add olive oil at the end: Incorporate it just before blending to maintain its delicate flavor.

Share your experience

Preparing this cold cucumber and yogurt soup with mint at home is simple and adapts to various tastes. After trying it, feel free to adjust the amount of mint or lemon to personalize the dish. Cooking is enjoyed by experimenting, so don't hesitate to leave your comments on how it turned out for you, what variations you've tried, or what ingredients you combined it with. Sharing experiences always enriches the table.


Culinary glossary

  • Macerate: Soak ingredients like herbs to extract their flavor and aroma.
  • Blend: Process food until a paste or cream is obtained.
  • EVOO: Extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed oil with a purer flavor.
  • Greek yogurt: Natural yogurt, denser and creamier, with less liquid.
  • Scallion: Also known as spring onion, it is less pungent than common onion.

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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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