Cold Tomato-Dill Soup
A refreshing, chilled tomato-dill soup with vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh dill, and buttermilk, perfect for summer gatherings or light, healthy lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring tomatoes, chicken broth, onions, garlic, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to a boil in a 3 to 4-quart pot over high heat, stirring 2 to 3 times.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring 3 or 4 times, until onions are tender.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Using a slotted spoon, lift solids from the pot into a food processor or blender.
- Process in batches until smooth.
- Pour the pureed mixture into a large bowl.
- Stir in the broth from the pot, buttermilk, and fresh dill.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve garnished with chopped tomato and dill.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using sour cream in place of buttermilk. If fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill can be substituted, but use only one-third of the amount. Make sure to adjust the salt based on the saltiness of your chicken broth. For added depth, try roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing cold soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken With Apricots And Prunes or a simple grilled chicken for protein. Garnish with additional chopped tomatoes and dill for an elegant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; however, the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Tomato-Dill Soup contains roughly 327 calories, with 10g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1690mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
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
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it up to the chilling step, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the soup's taste. Just stir well before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this soup vegan, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace buttermilk with a plant-based alternative, such as almond milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess. This will retain the soup's flavor while meeting vegan dietary needs.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for brightness. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will add a hint of spice. Consider incorporating other herbs such as basil or parsley for a twist on the classic dill flavor.
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).