On Our Plate ~ Chilled Out Summer Soup

When the mercury in the bottom of the thermometer is on the brink of boiling, what better way to cool down than a bowl of a lovely summer soup…well chilled of course. With very minimal ingredients and effort, a cucumber avocado and a beet soup can be prepared and happily consumed. You don’t need to be a culinary mastermind to create these two masterpieces. Not to mention, these two soups are visually pleasing, and can be a great hit at your next soiree.

It is a win-win situation when you support your local organic farmers. Sourcing your ingredients locally will help ensure that you are getting the freshest farm to table fruits and vegetables. Plus, it is important to know exactly what you are putting into your body. Your body is your one and only sacred temple.

This is all you need to create four servings of both a cucumber avocado soup and a beet soup with carrot, plantain, and green bean baked chips for dipping. All of the vegetables, fruit, and the Greek goat yogurt are organic and were purchased from a local farmer’s market. While all of the ingredients in these soups are beneficial to your health, there are a few powerhouse vegetables and fruit that can do wonders for your body, internally and externally.

Beets are rich in vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and vitamin B folate. These nutrients and vitamins support healthy nerve and muscle function, boost stamina, fight inflammation, reduce blood pressure, and aid in the detoxification. Cucumbers, while 95% water, are loaded with vitamin A, B1, B6, C, D, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Cucumbers are beneficial in rehydrating your body and helping to eliminate toxins, aka an incredible hangover cure. They also have anti-cancer properties and can aid in digestion and weight loss. Avocados must be the fruit of the goddesses. Avocados are bursting with antioxidant carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin C, omega-9 fats, and monounsaturated fats.

Avocados are not only a great source of energy; they are a real treat for your skin. These creamy fruits are excellent anti-aging defenders and promote radiant and supple skin. You body will thank you graciously for giving it these gifts.

Cucumber Avocado Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 small onion
• 4 cups (3 cucumbers) peeled, seeded, and sliced
• 1 ½ cups of vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 avocado
• ½ Greek yogurt
• Salt and Pepper
• Cayenne Pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice

Preparation:

• Lightly sauté garlic and onion in a large saucepan (1-3 minutes).
• Add a healthy squeeze of lemon juice.
• Mix in the cucumbers, broth, salt, pepper, cayenne, and bring to a simmer for 8 minutes.
• Carefully, transfer soup into a blender, add avocado and Greek yogurt, and puree.
•  Chill soup in the refrigerator until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Garnish with your choice of chili flakes, parsley, cucumbers, diced tomatoes, or simply let it be.
• Enjoy!

Beet Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 beets, boiled (for 45 minutes), peeled, and cut into cubes
• ½ cucumber peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Sour cream and dill (too delicious not to add on top), for garnish

Preparation:

• Boil beets for 45 minutes, and then peel and chop.
• Add beets and the rest of the ingredients in a blender.
• Puree.
• Place in refrigerator and chill for 2-4 hours.
• Relish in the delicious goodness and simplicity of this soup!

Vegetable Chips (carrot, plantain, and green beans)

Simply cut up, lightly drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake for 35-45 minutes at 350F.

Fresh, simple, healthy, and beautiful!