Mediterranean Summer Breeze Cold Yogurt Soup Recipes

SPINACH AND YOGURT SOUP

Steps:

• Wash and drain spinach; remove any large stems.
• Cut into strips.
• Heat oil in large saucepan and saute garlic, onion, and green onions until soft.
• Stir in rice; add 3 1/2 cups water and the turmeric.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Simmer for 15 minutes, then add spinach, cooking 5-7 minutes more, until rice is tender.
• Lower heat on soup.
• Stir yogurt briskly, then add to soup.
• Stir only to blend, and heat just until soup is heated through.
• Do not boil, or yogurt will curdle.
• Serve.
• As a suggestion, serve with fresh flatbreads with olive oil, olives, lemon wedges, and a plate of fresh herbs.

MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER BREEZE COLD YOGURT SOUP

Steps:

• For each individual bowls; Put 1/2 cup of yogurt in a bowl and then add 1/8 to 1/4 cup cold water (depending on the thickness desired), 1/8 cup cream, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon minced garlic... all to taste; Then blend until creamy smooth.
• Add to each individual bowl, 2 tablespoons feta cheese, 1 tablespoon olives, 2-3 tablespoons bell peppers, 2 tablespoons spring onions; mix slightly.
• Sprinkle on top 2 tablespoons of ground pistachio nuts.
• Chill prior to serving, enjoy.
• .
• Notes: This soup is best when using whole creamy milk yogurt which can be found in Greek and Middle Eastern grocery stores; or use your own home make yogurt. You can also serve INDIVIDUAL CUPS instead of bowls of this soup. Simply, reduce the amount of ingredients in each cup. Finally, you can add or substitute some of the vegetables. For example, cut up strawberries (add a pinch of sugar in individual bowls), tomatoes or chopped up hard boiled eggs (Arabic style).

CHILLED ZUCCHINI SOUP

Steps:

• Cook shallots in oil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add zucchini, zest, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth and water and simmer until zucchini is tender, about 3 minutes.
• Purée zucchini mixture, including zest, along with parsley and dill in a blender (in 2 batches if necessary) until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Transfer to a metal bowl, then set bowl into a larger bowl of ice and cold water (to quick-chill). Cool, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
• Stir in buttermilk and season with salt.