You should try my cold Persian yogurt soup with caramelised onions, raisins, garam masala and chickpeas! It is so refreshing and satisfying. Flavor explosion…
So what to serve for lunch today?
It is a hot sunny day here in the Spanish Canary Islands.
But I am looking for something else than the usual crunchy fresh salads and light sandwiches. Cold soups can be a blessing on days like that, especially for lunch.
I love cold soups!
What about my latest creation then: a Persian cold yogurt soup with caramelised onions, raisins, garam masala, fresh cilantro and chickpeas!
Cold Soups
Here in Spain cold soups are very popular.
One of the most famous cold soups is probably gazpacho, I am sure you also must be familiar with that one. But have you heard of other Spanish cold soups such as salmorejo or ajo blanco before?
These Spanish cold soups are as tasty as a good gazpacho. Salmorejo contains tomatoes, vinegar and bread and is often garnished with hard-boiled eggs and sliced cured ham.
A great fresh alternative for gazpacho!
Ajo blanco is totally the opposite flavor wise: it is a creamy white almond and bread soup.
It is often served with grapes or chopped apple and drizzled with olive oil or a balsamic reduction. Both are worth checking out though!
Best Chilled Persian Yogurt Soup Recipe
Here is another cold soup that I made a couple of weeks ago: a chilled melon soup with crunchy ham! A great alternative for the classic ham wrapped melon boats!
But back to this Persian yogurt soup…
I prepared this cold Persian yogurt soup in my KitchenAid Cook Processor: for that recipe, scroll down to the second recipe below! I also made this soup using a high pan. Both methods, the pan and my Cook Processor, are slightly different but the end result is exactly the same.
You will love this Persian yogurt soup!
Dig in! It is a mind blowing refreshing and creamy but filling and satisfying soup.
Enjoy!
Best Chilled Persian Yogurt Soup Recipe
Cold Persian yogurt soup with caramelized onions, raisins, garam masala and chickpeas: refreshing and satisfying!
- 7 oz unsweetened yogurt (200 ml)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable stock (360 ml)
- 3,5 oz canned chickpeas (100 g), drained weight
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 lb onions (450 g), sliced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp curcuma powder
- 1 tbsp raisins
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
- half a handful fresh cilantro chopped
- half a handful fresh mint chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large garlic clove sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- chili powder
- salt
1. Add the olive oil, sliced garlic and onion to a large non-stick pan. Season with a pinch of salt.
2. Place the pan over medium-high heat and gently fry the onions on the oil for 5 to 7 minutes until they start to soften. Stir regularly. Then add the unsalted butter. Season with the garam masala, the ground cumin, the ground curcuma, a pinch of chili powder and salt.
3. Stir and let the butter melt fully. Then put a lid on the pan. Turn the heat a little lower and cook the onions for about 15 minutes. Stir regularly, don’t let them burn. They should be slightly caramelized in the end. Keep an eye on them.
4. In the meantime heat the vegetable stock in a high pan for 5 minutes and add the raisins. Then turn the heat back off and let the raisins soak.
5. Once the onions are cooked, take them off the heat and add them together with the melted butter in the pan to the vegetable stock and the raisins. Also add the drained chickpeas.
6. Stir and let the soup cool down for 15 minutes or the yogurt will split. Once the soup has cooled down, add the Greek yogurt and the freshly chopped cilantro and mint.
7. Stir the yogurt soup well. Then check the seasoning and add extra chili powder, garam masala, cumin or salt to taste if necessary. Chill the soup in the fridge for another 10 minutes. Then scoop it onto deep plates, sprinkle with the pine nuts and extra fresh herbs. Serve.
Best Chilled Persian Yogurt Soup – KitchenAid Cook Processor
Try my Persian cold yogurt soup with caramelised onions, raisins, garam masala and chickpeas! It is refreshing and satisfying.
Flavor explosion!
Here is how I prepared this chilled Persian yogurt soup in my fabulous KitchenAid Cook Processor then! It is more or less the same method like above, I only used 1 pan here, the Cook Processor. But like I said before: same flavor same result!
Enjoy this one…
Best Chilled Persian Yogurt Soup Recipe
Cold Persian yogurt soup with caramelized onions, raisins, garam masala and chickpeas: refreshing and satisfying!
- 7 oz unsweetened yogurt (200 ml)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable stock (360 ml), chilled
- 3,5 oz canned chickpeas (100 g), drained weight
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 lb onions (450 g), sliced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp curcuma powder
- 1 tbsp raisins
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
- half a handful fresh cilantro chopped
- half a handful fresh mint chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large garlic clove chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- chili powder
- salt
1. Add the onion, garlic, 4 tablespoons of vegetable stock and the olive oil to the bowl of the Cook Processor fitted with the StirAssist. Season with a pinch of salt.
2. Close the lid and select FRY P2. Press Start to activate Step 1. After that add the butter.
3. Adjust the time of Step 2 to 20 minutes (instead of 3 minutes). Then press Start to activate Step 2. The onion should be caramelized in the end. Lower the temperature if necessary.
4. Remove the caramelized onion and transfer it to a plate. Don’t wipe the bowl clean. Let it cool down for 10 minutes. Then add the yogurt, raisins and the remaining vegetable stock.
5. Close the bowl and press Quick Stir for 10 seconds. Then add the caramelized onion, garam masala, ground cumin, ground curcuma and a pinch of chili powder.
6. Close the bowl and press Quick Stir for 10 seconds. Then add the drained chickpeas and chopped cilantro and mint.
7. Close the bowl and press Quick Stir for 20 seconds. Then check the seasoning of the cold yogurt soup and add extra chili powder or salt to taste. Chill the soup in the fridge for 15 minutes.Then scoop it onto deep plates, sprinkle with pine nuts and extra fresh herbs. Serve.
What are health benefits of cold soups?
Cold soups like my Persian yogurt soup can offer various health benefits.
Here are some of them:
1. Hydration
Cold soups, often based on ingredients like vegetables and fruits, can help keep you hydrated. They are typically prepared with a liquid base such as water, broth, or juice, which contributes to your overall fluid intake.
2. Nutrient-rich
Cold soups often contain an array of vegetables, herbs, and fruits, providing a wide range of essential nutrients. They can be packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, depending on the ingredients used. For example, gazpacho, a popular cold soup, typically contains tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and garlic, which are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and other beneficial compounds.
3. Weight management
Cold soups can be a healthy choice for those aiming to manage their weight. Since they are often low in calories and high in water content, they can help satisfy your hunger while providing a feeling of fullness. This can potentially lead to reduced calorie consumption and aid in weight management.
4. Improved digestion
Some cold soups contain ingredients like yogurt or kefir, which can provide probiotics, beneficial bacteria that promote healthy digestion. Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiota, support digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption.
5. Heart health
Many cold soups feature ingredients that are heart-healthy. For instance, soups containing ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil can provide beneficial compounds, such as lycopene and monounsaturated fats, which have been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
6. Antioxidant content
Cold soups often include a variety of vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support overall health.
7. Cooling effect
During hot weather, consuming cold soups can help regulate body temperature and provide a refreshing sensation. They can be particularly beneficial in maintaining comfort and preventing dehydration in warm climates or during summertime.
Remember that the specific health benefits of cold soups may vary depending on the ingredients used and the preparation methods. It’s always a good idea to incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Other classic cold soups
If you liked like my Persian yogurt soup, here are a few classic cold soups from different culinary traditions.
1. Gazpacho
Originating from Spain, gazpacho is a chilled soup typically made with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and bread. It’s often seasoned with herbs and spices and can be served chunky or smooth.
2. Vichyssoise
This is a creamy, chilled soup that is a classic in French cuisine. It’s made with leeks, potatoes, cream, and broth. Vichyssoise is typically seasoned with herbs and can be garnished with chives.
3. Borscht
Borscht is a cold soup that is popular in Eastern European cuisines, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. It is made with beets, which give it a vibrant color, and can include ingredients such as cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, and sometimes meat. It is often served with sour cream.
4. Tarator
Hailing from the Balkan region, tarator is a refreshing cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and sometimes walnuts. It’s commonly enjoyed during hot summers and is known for its tangy and creamy flavor.
5. Okroshka
Okroshka is a traditional Russian cold soup made with kvass (a fermented beverage), sour cream, and a variety of chopped vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, potatoes, and dill. It can also include boiled eggs, ham, or sausage.
