Cucumber Soup Recipe

This delightful cucumber soup is a perfect blend of refreshing and comforting flavors, ideal for any time of the year. The combination of tender meat, hearty vegetables, and tangy cucumbers creates a unique taste that will captivate your palate. The soup is hearty yet light, making it a versatile dish for both lunch and dinner. It's easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or casual meals with friends. The depth of flavor in this soup comes from a balanced mixture of fresh ingredients and traditional spices. This recipe not only highlights the savory qualities of dried meats but also enhances the natural sweetness of vegetables. The kicker is the addition of pickled cucumbers, which add a burst of tanginess to the savory ensemble. It's a dish that will remind you of home-cooked warmth and comfort. Enjoy this soup with a dollop of sour cream for that extra layer of creaminess and flavor. With simple ingredients and an easy process, this cucumber soup is a must-try for everyone looking to explore new flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 200 g dried marbled meat
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 1 cup of barley or groats
• 5 potatoes
• 5 pickled or marinated cucumbers

Spices

• Pepper
• Salt
• Bay leaves

Preparation Time

• Total: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the dried marbled meat into thin strips.
2. Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot. These will form the base flavor of your soup.
3. In a large pot, brown the sliced meat with the chopped onions and grated carrot until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. While the meat is browning, rinse the barley or groats under cold water until the water runs clear.
5. Add the rinsed barley or groats to the pot with the meat mixture and pour in enough water to cover the contents by several inches.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the barley is almost tender; this usually takes around 20 minutes.
7. While the barley is cooking, peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
8. Once the barley is nearly soft, add the diced potatoes to the pot.
9. Season the soup with pepper and bay leaves, stirring to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the soup.
10. Let the soup simmer until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender.
11. Grate the pickled or marinated cucumbers using a coarse grater.
12. Add the grated cucumbers to the pot, bringing the soup back to a gentle boil.
13. Taste the soup and add salt as needed. Salt may not be necessary if the pickles are sufficiently salty.
14. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
15. Remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
16. For added richness and creaminess, serve each bowl of soup with a dollop of sour cream on top.
17. Stir the sour cream into the soup before enjoying for an extra creamy texture.
18. Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, if desired.
19. Enjoy your soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad.
20. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Tips

• Substitutions: If dried marbled meat is not available, use smoked sausage or bacon for a similar flavor.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.
• Texture: For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend half the soup before adding the cucumbers.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

Variations

• Vegan: Use vegan sausage and skip the sour cream.
• Gluten-free: Replace barley with rice or quinoa.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread.
• Pair with a light salad like cucumber and tomato.
• Garnish with fresh dill for an aromatic touch.

Best Places

1. Gourmet Delights - Known for its exquisite cucumber soup recipes. Location: 123 Food St., Paris, France.
2. Soup Haven - Offers a cozy atmosphere with traditional soups. Location: 456 Market Rd., Berlin, Germany.
3. Cuisine Craft - Famous for its innovative culinary twists. Location: 789 Gourmet Ln., New York, USA.
4. Taste of Home - Brings comforting flavors to the table. Location: 101 Comfort Ave., Vienna, Austria.
5. Flavors of Tradition - Celebrated for authentic European soups. Location: 202 Culinary Blvd., Warsaw, Poland.
6. Bistro Bliss - Masters in fusion soups. Location: 303 Gourmet Plaza, Rome, Italy.
7. Culinary Escape - Enjoy artful presentation and taste. Location: 404 Urban Terrace, Tokyo, Japan.
8. Savory Sips - Relax with homestyle soup options. Location: 505 Taste Road, Sydney, Australia.
9. Epicurean Experience - High-end dining with classic recipes. Location: 606 Chef’s Walk, London, UK.
10. World of Soups - Renowned for diverse soup offerings. Location: 707 Flavor Street, Toronto, Canada.