Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Chilled Cucumber Soup with Yogurt and Dill

Chilled Cucumber Soup with Yogurt and Dill

Beat the heat with this tangy starter

It’s cucumber season in our part of the world. We can’t seem to harvest them fast enough in our backyard garden. And every farmers’ market is overflowing with them.

So how about turning some of those cukes into a cool, refreshing first course? One that’s brimming with flavor, but not too heavy.

Chilled Cucumber Soup is the perfect summer starter. It’s also a versatile performer—you can change up ingredients to give it a different character every time you make it (more about this in the Notes). Best of all, it takes just minutes to prepare in the food processor.

You can make it ahead of time too. In fact, the flavor improves if you allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours, or even overnight. So whip up this soup—and then head to the hammock for a summertime siesta. Because, hey, soup isn’t the only thing that improves with rest.


Chilled Cucumber Soup with Yogurt and Dill

Recipe: Chilled Cucumber Soup with Yogurt and Dill

Tangy yogurt seems to bring out the best in cucumbers. Which is why you’ll find this pairing in countless dishes served around the eastern Mediterranean. One of the more famous is Greek Tzatziki, and today’s soup is essentially a variant on that sauce.

Greek yogurt is ideal in this dish, although you can also substitute regular yogurt. We prefer full-fat yogurt, but you can use low-fat or fat-free if that’s your style.

This recipe is adapted from Judith Barrett’s Saved by Soup.

The dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and serves 4 to 6 as a first course. Leftovers will keep for several days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ingredients
  • ~2 pounds cucumbers, either the common slicing ones or the long English variety (2 to 3 cukes, depending on size)
  • ~½ medium red onion (may substitute 2 or 3 scallions; to taste)
  • 1 to 2 cloves of garlic (to taste)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (to taste)
  • ~2 cups plain yogurt, preferably Greek
  • juice of 1 lemon (or more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • sprigs of dill or mint as garnish (optional)
Procedure
  1. Peel the cucumbers, then cut them in half lengthwise. If you’re using the common slicing variety, scoop the seeds out of the cucumber halves with a teaspoon (discard the seeds). If using a food processor, chop the cucumbers roughly, then whirl them in the processor bowl until minced (don’t purée the cukes; the soup is better with some texture). If not using a food processor, chop the cucumbers finely. Add the minced cukes to a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Peel a medium red onion, then cut it in half through the poles. Chop the onion roughly and add it to the food processor bowl. Peel the garlic and add it to the bowl. Process the onion and garlic until they’re minced (again, don’t purée). If not using a food processor, mince the onion and garlic finely. Add the onion and garlic to the cucumbers in the mixing bowl.
  3. Wash the dill and strip the leaves from the stems. Then chop the dill finely (or whirl briefly in the food processor). Add the dill to the cucumber mixture.
  4. Stir the cucumber mixture briefly to combine, then add yogurt. About 2 cups of yogurt makes a fairly thick soup (which we prefer). If you want a thinner soup, add some water or milk (perhaps a cup).
  5. Add the lemon juice and olive oil to the cucumber mixture, then stir vigorously to combine all ingredients. Taste and add more lemon juice (or olive oil) if necessary. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. At this point, you can chill the soup briefly and then serve it. But the soup tastes better if you refrigerate it in an airtight container for an hour or longer (even overnight) to let the flavors mingle. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with sprigs of dill or mint.
Chilled Cucumber Soup with Yogurt and Dill

Notes
  • This recipe works better if you peel the cucumbers, though you can leave some of the peels on if you like (they add nice color). Remember that most supermarket cukes are waxed, so you probably don’t want to eat the peels on those.
  • We tend to think of cucumbers as vegetables, but they’re actually fruits (just like tomatoes). Cukes probably originated at least 3000 years ago in the Middle East or western Asia (most likely India). They eventually spread to Europe (perhaps via the Greeks or Romans) and later to North America.
  • Cucumbers are sensitive to heat. So once you pick them from your garden (or bring them home from the market), you should refrigerate them immediately.
  • Red onion adds nice flavor and color to this dish. But scallions or ordinary yellow or white onions work well too.
  • You could probably substitute kefir for yogurt in this recipe (though we haven’t tried that).
  • Fresh dill works better than dried dill in this dish, but you could use the dried version in a pinch.
  • No dill on hand? Fresh mint makes a wonderful substitute.
  • Or drop the dill entirely and substitute parsley or cilantro.
  • If you’re using cilantro, you might want to add 1 or 2 jalapeño peppers (dice them finely by hand or in the food processor).
  • You could also add some chopped tomatoes to the dish (riffing off an Indian raita).
  • A bit of dried cumin or coriander powder would go nicely in this soup, too. And maybe some cayenne pepper.
  • You can substitute red wine vinegar for lemon juice if you wish.
  • You can also add some raisins or chopped nuts to this soup (which will give it a more Middle Eastern character).
  • Or stir in a bit of almond milk for yet another dimension.
  • Basically, if you think a particular ingredient sounds good in this soup, it probably will be.
Chilled Cucumber Soup with Yogurt and Dill

Souped Up

“Delicious,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “You’re a soup-er cook.”

“Thanks,” I said. “You might call me a consommé professional.”

“Hope you never run out of recipes,” said Mrs K R. “That would be gruel and unusual punishment.”

“Oh, ye of ladle faith,” I said. “No worries about that around here!”

“True,” said Mrs K R. “You have bouillons and bouillons.”

You may also enjoy reading about:
Quick and Easy Gazpacho
Soupe au Pistou
Moroccan Carrot Soup
Hungarian Cucumber Salad
Moroccan Carrot Salad
Moroccan Orange and Radish Salad
Roast Strawberry Salad
Or check out the index for more recipes





126 comments:

~~louise~~ said...

Hi John!
No cucumbers in my garden this year, although, I have another "mystery" plant growing in the back of the garden which appears to be in the cucumber family. It's flowering now so, we'll see:)

I'm not much of a fan of cucumbers per se but I do LOVE Tzatziki! I actually made a cucumber watermelon salad last night for Marion and she loved it especially since I added blueberries. I whipped up a yogurt sauce with the fresh yogurt I just made and added a bit of pineapple juice. It really came out good and surprise of surprises, I didn't even mind the cucumbers!

I love the ease and freshness of this recipe, John. Chilling to think it whips up so quickly. All the better if I can bring myself and it to take a rest, lol…Thanks so much for sharing, John. I'll be looking for more cucumbers now that I have an inspiring reason to "play" with them...

Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today said...

We call ir "chłodnik" in Poland and it's sooooo good! <3

FLAVZCORNER said...

This soup is similar to Indian Raita. We use Cilantro and green chilies. Raita is so versatile that you can add bell peppers, carrots, mint leaves etc. They are so refreshing and a perfect cooler when served on hot summery days.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Louise, mystery plants are so much fun, aren't they? This is a good recipe if cucumber isn't your favorite flavor -- you do taste it, but there are so many other things going on as well that you have a mix of flavors. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marta, I'll bet versions of this dish are found pretty much around the world! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shibi, this really is a lot like raita. Except more soupy. ;-) Although now that I think about it, raita would make a pretty good soup as-is, wouldn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Barb | Creative Culinary said...

As soon as I saw this I thought of Tzatziki; I love that cool combination and can imagine it's fantastic as a soup. Need some cool meal ideas right now; it's definitely the dog days here.

Judy @Savoring Today said...

You are right, yogurt does seem to bring out the best in cucumbers ~ this looks delish! Just what we need around here with temps in the high 80's. :)

Rocquie said...

A classic and a delicious soup to savor on hot days as well as with hot food. Great post and gorgeous photographs. Beautiful work, John. Thanks, Rocquie

Sherri@The Well Floured Kitchen said...

I've never made a chilled soup before, but this looks yummy! Appreciate all the notes with variations. Thanks for making me smile after reading souped up :)

Dottie said...

Hi John, What a lovely cool soup for these dog days of summer...Love chilled soup and your looks very inviting. I really like cucumbers and the combination of all of your ingredients adds to the creaminess if your dish. I love all of your notes, as I can see this is a truly versatile dish. Thanks for sharing, and keep cool! Have a great day! :) Dottie

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Barb, isn't this a nice combo? And we need all the cooling dishes we can get! You know what St. Louis summers are like. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, I like cukes and yogurt! Tons of flavor, and so refreshing. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, this soup fits in with almost any kind of meal -- really versatile. Thanks for the kind words, and comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherri, happy to make you smile! ;-) We just can't resist corny puns. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dottie, I've got another batch of this in the refrigerator right now! Probably have it for dinner tonight. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

This creamy soup reminds me a lot of raita - it's an Indian yoghurt that we eat with naan and curries :)
I would love to try your recipe just as is though, it would be light and refreshing!

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Karen Harris said...

How cool and refreshing is this? Love the flavors. Thanks for this summertime inspiration!

Everyday Maven said...

I am insanely jealous that your garden is overflowing with cucumbers! This soup sounds like the perfect use of some of them :)

~ Nee ~ said...

Hi John , what a delightful soup , cucumbers is plentiful in the garden this year , well all the fruits and vegetables is doing good . I have to make this soup as you said so many combinations , it's endless what you can do with this dish . I been MIA for the last week , having fun with the kids , they are into everything and vacation still to go . Thanks so much for sharing ;- D

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I love me some tzaziki! And this is a perfect idea for all those cucumbers.What a souper cold soup for slurping! My garden is nonexistent this year other than raspberries and herbs. Just finally need to get the yard in shape before I can focus on the other stuff. thanks, John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Uru, this is very similar to raita. And all the other cuke & yogurt combos around the world! Awfully good, though. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, this really is refreshing, and so nice for the hot weather we're having. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Alyssa, we have more cukes than we can handle! Although I'm sure we'll figure out something. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nee, glad you've been having fun with the kids! Much more important than blogging stuff. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning@From Brazil To You said...

This is a great way to use cucumber! What a delicious and refreshing summer dish...

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, tzaziki is really good stuff, isn't it? As is this soup. ;-) I'm jealous of your raspberries! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, isn't this perfect for cucumbers? And as you say, it's so refreshing. And tasty. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Zoe said...

Hi John,

I can imagine that your throat and breathe must be feeling so cool and fresh after enjoying this soup... I can feel the chill even by looking at your soup :p

Zoe

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Zoe, this really is such a cool and soothing soup! And it is indeed very refreshing. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Shashi at SavorySpin said...

Such a refreshing dish - I adore cucumbers and yogurt, in fact my mom makes a little palate cleanser with yogurt, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and salt and pepper - your chilled soup reminds me of my mom's dish.

Carolyn Jung said...

This looks refreshing as can be for the summer. I bet it would be fabulous as a first-course to grilled lamb, too.

Kristi @ MSFK said...

Oooh I just love cucumbers, and this is the perfect summer soup! :)

Gourmet Getaways said...

Amusing dialogue ha ha!! Your soup looks chunky and creamy. Mmmm...

Julie
Gourmet Getaways

Pat said...

John, you are right, this is a great soup for hot days and I really like the idea of using kefir. Now I just have to get me a hammock :) Thanks for the recipe!

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi John, this sounds very refreshing, love the dialog!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shashi, your mom's palate cleanser sounds wonderful! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, I really like the idea of serving lamb after this! The flavors would go so well. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristi, isn't this nice? And quite healthy too -- a bonus! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Julie, glad you enjoyed the dialogue! Those are loads of fun to write. And very true to live. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, hammocks are a must, don't you think? ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cheri, it really is refreshing. Glad you enjoyed the dialog, and thanks for the comment.

Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things said...

Hi John, this sounds so cooling and delicious... I do love a good cucumber dish! Setting it aside for the summer. Chilly here!

Amira said...

This is my favorite dip recipe. I make these with dried mint but I did not use onions before. May be I should try onions next time, I'm pretty sure it will give it a nice flavor. Thanks John.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Refreshing, exquisite and wonderfully summery! A great soup.

Cheers,

Rosa

Deepa said...

So the Indian variant on this is hardly a variant in recipe, but in use -- as an accompaniment to a fried rice or biriyani, as a raita/ yogurt salad. We might skip the garlic, but I say heck, why not leave it in. Sprinkling pomegranate over the top might provide a nice sweet-tart crunch, too. Bit like croutons, only so much better :) Loved the punny exchange with the Mrs!

Beth said...

Love all the variations on this recipe - it sounds incredibly versatile.
And I will never tire of the KR/Mrs KR banter. Reading it today nearly broth tears to my eyes.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lizzy, this dish just isn't the same in the winter, so waiting for the warm weather makes a lot of sense. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, this is such a fun dish to play with -- so many things you can add! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rosa, it really is refreshing -- truly tasty. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deepa, love the idea of the pomegranate! Good taste, brilliant color. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, :-) Glad you enjoy the banter -- the puns today were just too easy. And this soup is really worth a try -- truly excellent. Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

I will for sure be making this, but sans yogurt!

Laura Dembowski said...

I just love cucumbers! They are so refreshing. I make a lot of salads with them, but never soup - sounds great!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, you can create your own dish with this! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, cucumbers are great, aren't they? So refreshing! Thanks for the comment.

Carol at Wild Goose Tea said...

This is one of the dishes that I can remember the first time I had it, where I was and who I was with. For some reason I was captivated my it. It really is waaaaaaaay more tasty than one would suppose when thinking about making soup out of cucumbers. As you pointed out cold soups are perfect during the heat of summer.

kristy @ the wicked noodle said...

Wow, that looks so refreshing! I love cold soups and what a great way to use cucumbers.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carol, this really is a memorable dish, isn't it? Awfully good. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristy, cucumbers don't get enough love, IMO, but in this dish they're a star! Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Perfect summer soup! I wonder if Bill would eat this since it's not obviously made of cucumbers? Well, not to worry, I'd happily eat his share!

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

After reading the recipe I wish I had cucumbers growing in my garden. This sounds like a great soup for summer.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, you'll be glad to have Bill's share, trust me! This is good stuff. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, it really is a nice soup. You'll have to grow some cukes next year! Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

Wow, this soup is just perfect for the warm weather...cucumber and yogurt so refreshing and soothing...and I like the fact that it can be prepared ahead...thanks for the recipe John!
Have a great weekend :D

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, this really is such a great soup for this time of the year. Totally refreshing, totally flavorful. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

This looks so cool and refreshing. Keep the puns coming!

Sippity Sup said...

Cold soup hot day! I just made a very similar soup and everyone loved it. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mary Frances, this is really is refreshing. And good. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, isn't this soup such a great concept? Really good, and so easy. Thanks for the comment.

Brooks said...

John, your chilled Cucumber Soup looks sensational. Moreover, with the triple digit heatwave Mother Nature is throwing my way this weekend, the dish is an ideal way to keep it cool. Lovely work!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Brooks, it's been cool here the last few days but tomorrow will be a scorcher! Time to make some more of this.;-) Thanks for the comment.

Holly | Beyond kimchee said...

You are lucky to have a backyard garden with abundant cucumber. What a cool and refreshing appetizer this will make? Yum!

thelady8home said...

Yogurt dip - in any shape or form, you can't beat it. Of course it's a staple in our house, and I am always looking for great variations, and this garlic and dil version is perfect. Need to try it asap.

Hotly Spiced said...

I didn't know cucumbers are a fruit! When I was growing up we used to grow them in our glasshouse. I was never served them in a chilled soup however. This does look perfect for a summer's day. I didn't know you used to work in NYC. Do you miss Manhattan? I absolutely loved it xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Holly, it is indeed so nice to have a garden! We love ours. And our cucumbers. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Minnie, dip/soup -- it's almost the same thing. Almost. ;-) This is such nice stuff, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Charlie, I know about cukes being a fruit -- weird, isn't it? Sounds like you're enjoying your trip to Manhattan. We need to get back -- such a great place, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

Somehow I can't ever wrap my arms around a cold soup. Even Gazpacho ... but this looks so fresh and pretty. I'd like to serve it as an appetizer...that would surely impress the heck out of folks. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, there are only a handful of chilled soups that I really like, and this is close to the top of the list (my favorite is gazpacho). I love the flavor of this, and it's so refreshing in hot weather. Thanks for the comment.

Suzanne Perazzini said...

I've never heard cucumbers called cukes before - very cute. I make something similar using grated zucchini which I serve with shish kebabs.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Suzanne, cukes are indeed cute. ;-) Love the idea of zucchini -- will definitely try that. Thanks for the comment.

Caroline Taylor said...

This does sound really cooling and a great way to use cucumber.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, it's really a great recipe for cucumbers -- very refreshing, and quite flavorful. Thanks for the comment.

vanillasugarblog said...

Gazpacho is one of my fav's for summer cool eats, and also the vichyssoises (sp?)
So I would love to try this, maybe with a side of falafel crisps? Mmmm

Unknown said...

Such a delightful summer soup. Sadly I have no cucumber plants this year but I know where to find them. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, gaspacho is my #1 for summer, too. But this is second. Falafel crisps? Great side with this! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Chris, isn't this nice? I love cucumber soups! Thanks for the comment.

Bam's Kitchen said...

How refreshing! I think I might like this as a palate cleanser between different spicy course. Really cools you down. Both you and Mrs. Riff are a hoot with your funny endings. Fun post! Just shared!

Maureen | Orgasmic Chef said...

I LOVE tzatziki so I would love this soup for sure. I'm going to give it a go even in the winter.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bam, glad you enjoy the endings! We really enjoy writing them. And this would be a great palate cleanser between courses -- great idea. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maureen, your winter is cold enough, but tropical compared to your New England winters. So this should seem pretty refreshing to you. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Helene Dsouza said...

Cold soups are a great change for once. I often forget about their existence but I do enjoy a good recipe that will tingle my taste buds. Thanks for sharing your version John, hope you guys have been fine.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Beat the heat is right, this is a cooling and delicious way to start a meal.

FLAVZCORNER said...

John,

If you don't mind please post some of your garden pictures too. I always like to learn other vegetable garden setups.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Helene, this really is a fun recipe. And you might like adding chilies to make it even more interesting. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, isn't this nice? We're going to have it again this weekend! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shibi, our garden isn't anything all that special -- just 3 raised beds, each about 3 feet by 6. But if I can work it into a post, I'll post a picture. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

What a great way to use cucumbers, this is something new and unique we have to try!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pamela, we love cucumbers and always like to use them in different ways. This soup really is a winner -- definitely worth a try. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

The only child soup I know is the Italian gaspacho, this is something different I need to try. Looks delish!

Anonymous said...

wow, looks adorable,
i once had it on a restaurant and i think i didn't like it too much because they put too much onion and the taste is almost like raita,
but u guess i'll gonna be enjoying yout milder version, healthy choices soup my friend!!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, gazpacho is my favorite cold soup, but this is my second favorite. And depending on mood, maybe my favorite. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dedy, this is rather similar to raita. And you're right that too much onion is too much! Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

Mmmm I love cucumber season and great idea to make them into this soup!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, cucumber season is so nice, isn't it? Always nice to have such a plentiful supply! Thanks for the comment.

Ansh said...

You are right, Kefir works wonderfully in soups like these. And have the added probiotic benefit. Loved this post.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ansh, we really need to try kefir in this! Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

I'll probably be picking my first cucumber this week sometime and the vines are loaded so we're fixing to have LOTS of cucumbers. What a great way to use them! Any no cook soup goes to the top of my list! Thanks for sharing John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, we have loads of cukes this year! Love it. And this soup. Thanks for the comment.

Shikha Kaiwar said...

With the hot weather we've been having in San Francisco, this is a perfect recipe!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shikha, this really is a great heat-beating recipe. Refreshing, and awfully good! Thanks for the comment.

Milktea Eats said...

ive never made soup with cucumber before, definitely try it when the warm weather returns!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, it's really a refreshing soup. Worth keeping in mind for when your summer comes. Thanks for the comment.

Beauty Follower said...

Perfect for summertime!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beauty Follower, this really is perfect for the summer! So good, I made another batch of it yesterday! Thanks for the comment.

Ala said...

If only I had seen this before our picnic yesterday! Something must be wrong with my feed because I haven't seen any of your new post notifications--I'll have to fix that asap. Good to catch up with your blog again though--wishing you guys an awesome Sunday!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ala, it could be Blogger's feed -- I've been hearing it's been funky lately. Thanks for the comment.

Jamie said...

You are so right about yogurt and cucumbers marrying so well... and dill is beautiful with both. I can see adding tiny cooked shrimp to this and making it a meal!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jamie, don't they make a lovely combo? One of the world's classics! Love the idea of adding the shrimp. Thanks for the comment.

http://platanosmangoes.com said...

I'm kind of new here and i must say i kite what i see. Great soup!

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

Chilled soup on hot days sounds excellent, especially cucumber has some refreshing and cooling effect. I'm happy to hear you are very confident that you will not run out of recipes. ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Plantos, welcome! And thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nami, there really is no end of recipes! And this is such a great soup for this time of the year. Thanks for the comment.

Bill said...

John, I'm really sorry I've been out of touch the last few weeks. My summer schedule has eaten away at my blog reading time. Anyway I'm back with lots of catching up to do. Cucumbers are my most favorite fruit this time of year. I love Tzatziki sauce and a soup version of the sauce are right up my alley! Great recipe and good way to use all those cucumbers I keep buying!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bill, no worries -- I know how hectic life can get. And this is such a great soup for this time of the year! Thanks for the comment.