When the thermometer rises higher, heavy hot dishes give way to light and refreshing soups. From Spanish gazpacho to Lithuanian cold borscht, many countries around the world have created their own recipes that help endure the summer heat while remaining tasty and satisfying.
In summer, appetite often changes: one craves something light, cool, and refreshing. That is why cold soups are popular in many countries around the world. They are made based on vegetables, fruits, fermented dairy products, broths, and even berries.
French Vichyssoise
One of the most famous cold soups in the world is French vichyssoise. It is made from potatoes, leeks, cream, and chicken broth. After preparation, the soup is thoroughly chilled and served with herbs or croutons.
How to prepare: Sauté 2 stalks of leeks in butter, add 3–4 potatoes, pour in 700 ml of chicken broth, and cook until soft. Blend, add 150 ml of cream, chill, and serve with green onions.
Cherry Soup from Hungary
Hungarian cold cherry soup has long become a national culinary hallmark of the country. Despite its sweet taste, it is served as a first course.
How to prepare: Cook 500 g of cherries in 500 ml of water with cinnamon and a little sugar. Add 200 g of sour cream mixed with a tablespoon of flour, cool, and serve chilled.
Californian Avocado Soup
A light and nutritious soup that is especially popular in hot regions of the USA.
How to prepare: Blend 2 ripe avocados, 300 ml of chilled chicken broth, 100 ml of cream, a clove of garlic, and the juice of half a lemon. Chill before serving and garnish with herbs.
Exotic Mango Soup
In Goa, this soup is considered a true summer delicacy.
How to prepare: Mix the flesh of two ripe mangoes, 200 ml of coconut milk, and lime juice. Optionally, add a bit of white rum. Chill well and serve with mint leaves.
Japanese Hiyashiru
A summer version of traditional miso soup.
How to prepare: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of miso paste in 600 ml of dashi broth. Add sliced cucumbers, tofu cubes, and a little sesame. Serve well chilled along with hot rice.
Korean Naengmyeon
One of the most popular cold soups in Asia.
How to prepare: Boil buckwheat noodles, rinse with cold water. Place in a bowl, pour over chilled meat broth, add slices of cucumber, pickled daikon, half an egg, and pieces of pear.
Bulgarian Tarator
A true symbol of Balkan summer.
How to prepare: Mix 500 ml of natural yogurt, 2 grated cucumbers, 2 cloves of garlic, dill, and a handful of chopped walnuts. Dilute with cold water to the desired thickness and serve with ice.
Iranian Ayran Soup
A refreshing dish for the hottest days.
How to prepare: Mix 500 ml of ayran, 100 g of boiled rice, herbs, mint, and a little green onion. Chill and serve with ice cubes.
Russian Okroshka
A classic of summer cuisine.
How to prepare: Chop 3 potatoes, 3 eggs, a cucumber, radish, and herbs. Add 200 g of boiled meat or sausage. Pour over kvass or kefir and serve chilled.
Spanish Gazpacho
The most famous cold soup in the world.
How to prepare: Blend 1 kg of ripe tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, a clove of garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of wine vinegar. Chill for at least two hours and serve with croutons.
Lithuanian Cold Borscht
An undisputed favorite among summer soups in Eastern Europe.
How to prepare: Mix 500 ml of kefir and 200 ml of cold water. Add 2 boiled grated beets, a cucumber, 2 eggs, green onion, and dill. Chill well and serve with hot young potatoes.
Cold soups are not just a way to escape the heat, but a whole gastronomic journey around the world. From French vichyssoise to Lithuanian cold borscht, each recipe reflects the culinary traditions of its country and can become the main dish of a summer table.
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