Skip to main content

Cool as a Cucumber Soup

Here’s an exceptionally easy, no-cook soup. This evolved from the classic recipe for Middle Eastern cucumber soup, which is made with a base of yogurt. However, I don’t think it tastes right with soy yogurt, so I tinkered with it until it approximated the original flavor, without the yogurt. I enjoy it with barley added, as suggested in the variation below.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, peeled and seeded
1 recipe Vegan Sour Cream (page 7)
1/2 cup finely chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, and mint), or more to taste
1 to 2 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups rice milk, or as needed
Juice of 1/2 lemon, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, or more to taste
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Grate the cucumbers on a coarse grater, either by hand or in a food processor fitted with the grating disk.

    Step 2

    Transfer the cucumbers to a serving container. Stir in the sour cream, herbs, scallions, and enough rice milk to give the soup a slightly thick consistency. Season with lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Serve at once or refrigerate until well chilled.

  2. Variations

    Step 3

    For a heartier version of this soup, add a cup or so of cold, cooked barley.

    Step 4

    For a pleasantly peppery flavor, stir in a good handful of chopped watercress leaves.

  3. Nutrition Information

    Step 5

    Per serving:

    Step 6

    Calories: 88

    Step 7

    Total fat: 2g

    Step 8

    Protein: 5g

    Step 9

    Fiber: 1g

    Step 10

    Carbohydrate: 14g

    Step 11

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 12

    Sodium: 166mg

Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons
Read More
Apple pie in doughnut hole form? We’re in love.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.