Aunt Nells' Tomato-Cucumber Soup
A refreshing chilled tomato-cucumber soup blending fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for hot days and light meals, appealing to those seeking a cool, flavorful appetizer or starter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat salad oil in a 2-quart pan over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion and shredded carrot, cook and stir often for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in dried basil, sugar, and white pepper.
- Add canned tomatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Peel and coarsely shred the large cucumber.
- Puree the soup mixture in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice.
- Add the shredded cucumber and mix well.
- Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt before serving. If you're short on time, you can use pre-shredded carrots and even substitute fresh basil with a teaspoon of dried basil. For a twist, try adding a splash of hot sauce for some heat. Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing soup is perfect served chilled on a hot day as a light appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Aunt Artie Bell's Chicken Pie. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the soup from separating. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Nells' Tomato-Cucumber Soup contains roughly 349 calories, with 14g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), iron (100% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 29g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while cooking the onion and carrot. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer to spice it up on their own.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).