When the summer sun is overhead and the heat is upon us, heavy foods lose their appeal. That’s when light soups enter the scene, a perfect option for keeping yourself fed without feeling weighed down. While soups are more of a cold-weather food, there are many light varieties that are perfect for hot days. Made with summer vegetables, chilled stocks, and light herbs, summer soups can be refreshing and satisfying. In this article, we’ll discuss our favorite soups to enjoy!
Chilled Gazpacho
One of the most recognized summer soups is gazpacho, a Spanish classic made from raw tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil. Chilled, it’s a perfect means of cooling down while still enjoying its boldness. The texture is usually smooth but still thick enough to be gratifying, like a satisfying meal. Gazpacho is traditionally finished off with a splash of vinegar, which gives an ideal balance of tartness to the vegetables’ natural sweetness. It’s a great soup for outdoor lunches, picnics, or even a light dinner with some bread on the side.
Delicate Broths With Summer Vegetables
Another great way of enjoying soup in summer is in the form of lightly flavored broths full of summer vegetables. Think of a light chicken or vegetable broth cooked with zucchini, green beans, sweet corn, and fresh herbs like basil. These soups are easy on the stomach, quick to prepare, and make use of what’s already great during the summer. Consume this soup warm but not hot, it helps it become soothing without causing your body to overheat. A bowl of this kind of soup can be refreshing and cooling.
Cucumber and Yogurt Soup
Cucumber and yogurt soup, or tarator or cacık as it is known in a few cultures, is another excellent choice for a summer soup. The soup takes crunchy cucumbers, creamy yogurt, garlic, dill, and a sprinkle of olive oil and combines them into a cool, tangy dish that’s just right for warm weather. It’s generally served cold and, on the odd occasion, topped with crushed walnuts or a squeeze of lemon juice. The probiotic nature of the yogurt and the hydrating nature of the cucumber make it not only tasty but also healthy for digestion and hydration, particularly during the summer months. This is not a traditional style of soup, but certainly a delicious one that you should try.
Asian-Inspired Summer Soup
Light miso soup or broth-based ramen varieties that are not loaded down with heavy toppings can make a great summer meal. A miso broth topped with tofu, seaweed, scallions, and a bit summer veggies. This all offers a deep umami flavor in a light and refreshing manner. Served warm or at room temperature, these soups are filling but not heavy. They’re also a great way to incorporate more plant protein and fermented foods into your summer.
Try Delicious Dishes in Boston, MA
If you’re looking to try amazing dishes and soups in the Boston, MA, area, then consider visiting Bricco today! They have incredible food and drinks that are perfect for all taste buds. Give our team a call or reserve a table to get started dining with us!