Chilled Cucumber Soup

Ingredients

4 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and diced

1/2 cups seedless green grapes (9 ounces)

1 small clove of garlic

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons white vinegar

1 cup water

Kosher salt, to taste

Cooked shrimp and finely chopped roasted almonds for garnishing

Cooking Time

The preparation takes approximately 15 minutes.

Preparation Steps

In a blender, mix together the cucumbers, grapes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and water; blend until silky smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt, and serve cold, adorned with shrimp and almonds.

About this Refreshing Gazpacho

This vibrant grape and cucumber gazpacho is a sweet and invigorating chilled soup, making it a fantastic choice for hot summer days. The crispness of cucumbers pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart flavor of grapes, brightened by fresh garlic and a splash of vinegar, all beautifully melded with high-quality olive oil. Finished with shrimp and almonds, it serves as an elegant starter or a light summer meal — all achieved with just a blender!

What Typically Goes into Gazpacho?

While there are numerous gazpacho variations, the classic red style made from blended tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar often comes to mind first. Originating in Andalusia, Spain, this dish is a staple across Spain and Portugal. Over time, the concept of gazpacho has been embraced to create diverse cold soups featuring various vegetables and fruits. Experiment with different bases such as yellow or green tomatoes, or incorporate seasonal fruits like watermelon or cherries.

Why Is It Important to Peel and Seed the Cucumbers?

This recipe calls for peeling and seeding the cucumbers to ensure the best flavor and texture. Cucumbers can exhibit a slightly bitter taste due to compounds called cucurbitacins, primarily found in their skin. Peeling the cucumbers allows the gazpacho to achieve a more refined sweetness rather than a strong cucumber flavor. Additionally, this step enhances the texture, making the soup velvety smooth without any grittiness, a result of blending just the fleshy parts of the cucumber.

Enhancing the Dish with Shrimp

Incorporating shrimp into your cucumber gazpacho transforms it into a delightful summertime dish. Lightly poached shrimp complements the delicate flavors of the soup perfectly.

Tips for Blending

For optimal results, ensure that your blender is capable of thoroughly pureeing the cucumbers, grapes, and garlic. An upright blender is preferable to an immersion model for this recipe.

Storage Advice

This gazpacho can be stored in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for an even tastier experience.