Cucumber soup is essentially a soup made from cucumbers. It is a popular preparation in various cuisines and has thus not been associated with any one cuisine of the world. Each region has a different recipe to make the soup and the presentations differ as well. The dish is considered one of the most refreshing summer dishes and the fact that it freezes well makes it even more popular. The soup is particularly popular in Poland.
In addition to being a common household preparation, cucumber soups are also sold largely in cafes, restaurants and eateries.
Cucumber Soup Recipe: Common Ingredients Used
Traditionally, cucumber soup is made from cucumbers and spices only. It is a simple and easy to make dish, but over the years, the preparation has evolved. In today's times, there are various regional recipes and there are various ingredients added to the soup to give it flavor and color. Vegetable broth, chicken broth or water are also important ingredients to make the soup.
Vegetables like carrots, onions, peppers, potatoes, etc. are commonly added to the soup. Spices are added to give the soup more taste. Sometimes, fruits are also a part of the recipe, most commonly avocados. To make the preparation creamy, yoghurt or cheese is added at times.
Cucumber Soups: Preparation Method
Cucumber soup is a fairly easy dish to make and when made with minimum ingredients, the preparation time is only about 15 minutes. While slow cooking is the traditionally encouraged method of preparation, faster cooking is preferred in the modern times. It is important to note that the cooking time greatly depends on the ingredients being used.
The ingredients are all cooked together in a saucepan or pot placed over moderate heat. Once the ingredients have cooked, the mixture is pureed in the blender and the puree is once again cooked for a few minutes till the soup has reached the desired level of doneness.
Cucumber Soup: Serving and Eating
Cucumber soup can be served hot as well as chilled, based on personal preferences and tastes. While it is mostly an appetizer, the preparation can be a filling, wholesome meal, part of a major lunch or dinner meal or a snack. The fact that the soup tastes good even when served chilled makes it a popular summer dish and refreshment.
The soup is ladled into separate serving bowls and served. Some bread may be served on the side, especially when the soup is an appetizer or a snack.
Cucumber Soups: Trivia
The Polish pickled cucumber soup, locally known as ogorkowa or zupa ogoakowa, is probably one of the most popular variants of the traditional soup. Salted, sour cucumbers and potatoes are the main ingredients.