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Creamy Cucumber Soup





Yields
Makes 4 first-course servings

Notes: This elegant soup comes from chef Kurt Alldredge of the Vintage Room at Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos, California.

Creamy Cucumber Soup




James Carrier
  About 2 1/2 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth or vegetable broth
 1 pound White Rose or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
 1 cup thinly sliced onion (4 oz.)
 1 cup thickly sliced celery (about 2 stalks; 5 oz.)
 1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
 1 green onion, rinsed, ends trimmed, coarsely chopped
 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
 1 tablespoon butter
 1 English cucumber (about 12 oz.), rinsed, or regular cucumber, peeled and seeded
  About 3/4 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
  About 1/2 teaspoon salt
  About 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
Step 1
1

Combine 2 1/2 cups broth, potatoes, onion, celery, parsley, green onion, thyme, and butter in a 5- to 6-quart pan; cover and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes mash easily with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, thinly slice a fourth of the cucumber; wrap airtight and chill. Coarsely chop remaining.

Step 3
3

Working in batches, whirl potato mixture and chopped cucumber in a blender until smooth; pour into a large bowl. Stir in 3/4 cup crème fraîche, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce. Cover and chill until cold, at least 1 hour, or up to 1 day.

Step 4
4

Thin soup with more broth. If desired, add more salt and hot sauce to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced cucumber and more crème fraîche.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 322Calories from Fat 56
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Sodium 440mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 26g9%

Dietary Fiber 3.9g16%
Protein 10g20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.