17 May 2017. You get home from work. It's hot. You're tired.
You peel off your shoes and unstick your shirt from your back. You get a glass of something cold and take a minute to settle in. Maybe your work clothes get switched out for something cool and comfortable.
Once you've regained your equilibrium, you realize you're hungry. Everything seems like too much effort, but cheese & crackers (again) feel insubstantial.
Some food trends come and go, but cold soup has staying power, and it's no mystery why. It takes ten minutes and a blender. With minimal work, you can make something genuinely delicious, satisfying, and nutritious.
A favorite around here is avocado-cucumber soup. It's rich with flavor but not heavy. It can be customized to your tastebuds with whatever herbs or greens you have in the fridge. If you don't have a scallion, just leave it out. And, to get back to the main point, it requires no time at the stove or depletion of the precious little energy you have left.
In the time it takes to caramelize an onion, you'll find yourself in the coolest part of your house or yard, sipping this green delight while savoring the knowledge that the night ahead is yours.
Avocado-Cucumber Soup : serves 1-2
Ingredients
1/2 avocado, roughly chopped
1/2 cucumber, peeled if desired, roughly chopped
1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
1 garlic clove, smashed
1 scallion, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
1. Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high speed until puréed. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if you would like.
2. If you prefer a thinner soup, add 1/4 cup cold water. If you want more cucumber flavor, add the remaining half and blend again. Same goes for the avocado.
This is great with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream or an additional drizzle of olive oil. A piece of toast on the side would round it out nicely.
Variations
1. Before blending, add a 1/4 cup of fresh herbs or greens, like cilantro, parsley, dill, or arugula.
2. Add a dash of your favorite spice or seasoning before blending. Ground cumin, curry powder, Old Bay, sumac, celery seeds, and sriracha, to name a few. Nearly anything you add will be delicious.