Late summer days, with their warm afternoons and cooler evenings, are perfect for exploring vibrant and refreshing flavors. This curated list brings you a gastronomic journey with soups complementing late summer's unique charm. Get ready to dive into a bowl of global goodness!
Cucumber Yogurt Soup: Europe's Creamy Cooler
Originating from Eastern Europe, this soup showcases the crisp, refreshing nature of cucumbers harmoniously blended with tangy yogurt, often highlighted with fresh dill and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
2 cups plain yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil and fresh mint for garnish
Procedure:
Blend cucumbers, yogurt, garlic, and dill until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper.
Chill for at least 2 hours.
Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and mint garnish.
Salmorejo: Andalusia's Thick Tomato Treasure
Background:
Hailing from the sultry regions of Andalusia in southern Spain, Salmorejo is a richer cousin of Gazpacho, predominantly featuring tomatoes and bread.
Ingredients:
6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 small stale baguette torn into pieces
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sherry vinegar
Salt to taste
Hard-boiled eggs and jamón (or prosciutto) for garnish
Procedure:
Blend tomatoes, bread, and garlic until smooth.
Add olive oil, vinegar, and salt.
Chill for a few hours.
Garnish with eggs and jamón before serving.
Gazpacho: Spain's Red Summer Elixir
This iconic cold tomato-based soup is Spain's answer to late summer heat. Gazpacho's origins are steeped in history, possibly dating back to Roman times.
Ingredients:
6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
3 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure:
Blend all vegetables until smooth.
Add broth, vinegar, olive oil, and seasoning.
Chill for a few hours and serve cold.
Summer Corn Chowder: America's Creamy Comfort
An American classic that celebrates the golden goodness of corn, this soup often includes potatoes and is a comforting treat for late summer evenings.
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh corn kernels
1 onion, diced
2 potatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped chives for garnish
Procedure:
Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
Add corn and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add broth and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Blend half of the soup and return to the pot.
Add cream, season, and garnish with chives.
Tom Kha Gai: Thailand's Coconutty Charm
Tom Kha Gai is a Thai masterpiece, a fragrant dance of creamy coconut, tangy lime, and tender chicken, offering an aromatic embrace even during the warmest months.
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, sliced
400 ml coconut milk
2 cups chicken broth
1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
5 kaffir lime leaves
3 slices galangal
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp lime juice
Chili and cilantro for garnish
Procedure:
Combine broth, coconut milk, lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal in a pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add chicken and cook till done.
Season with fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice.
Garnish with chili and cilantro.
Raw Mango Dal Soup: India's Tangy Tranquility
This Indian summer sensation merges the tangy taste of raw mangoes with earthy lentils, creating a perfect blend reminiscent of late summer afternoons in India.
Ingredients:
1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal)
2 raw mangoes, peeled and diced
1/2 tsp turmeric
Salt to taste
For tempering: 2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 dried red chili, a pinch of asafoetida, and 10 curry leaves
Procedure:
Cook lentils, mangoes, turmeric, and salt until lentils are soft.
Heat oil and add mustard seeds, red chili, asafoetida, and curry leaves for tempering. Pour over the soup.
Serve hot with a side of rice or naan.
Conclusion: With its languid pace, late summer calls for flavors that rejuvenate the spirit. Whether you seek the tang of mangoes or the creaminess of corn, this list ensures a refreshing culinary experience from the world's corners right to your table. Dive in, relish, and wrap up summer with a flavorful flourish!
Commentaires