The last week has been absolutely crazy in terms of weather in Bangalore. April showers are starting to resemble monsoon deluges. Instead of cold summer salads and tangy coolers, were looking to winter soups and warm bread! Bright sunny afternoons give way to ominous clouds and torrents of rain in the evening.
One such afternoon demanded a true blue summer soup and I could think of nothing better than cold cucumber soup. Its simple to make and with cucumbers always being around, its a refreshing dish which still keeps you light. I got some general recipe's on the web and then went ahead and used my modifications wherever I felt I could weak things. Here's the recipe
2 cucumbers skinned, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups yogurt - homemade is the best
1/2 to 1 cup milk
2 heaped tablespoons cream cheese (optional, but I'd rather use this than cream)
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 heaped teaspoon mint leaves
1 onion slivered
salt and pepper to taste
Add all ingredients to the blender, except for the onions. Pulse till you dont see any large pieces of cucumber. Refrigerate for at least an hour - the garlic works its way in over time.
For the garnish, start with sweating the onions on low flame for 10mts. Add about 1/2 cup of red wine and raise heat to high for 2 mts till all the wine has been incorporated.
Pour soup into bowls, garnish with onions and a dash of olive oil. Serve chilled and enjoy those baking Bangalore afternoons!!!
