For a refreshing sip, serve this delicate cucumber soup all summer long for lunch, supper, or a welcome first course. Basil adds a seasonal flavor, while raw cashews stand in beautifully for the cream. It’s so quick-to-prepare too!

Cool and refreshing, this beautiful soup will brighten up any warm weather meal. Lovely photo by: Annie Oliverio.

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ABOUT THE RECIPE:

This cold Cashew, Cucumber and Basil Soup makes a refreshing warm-weather lunch or elegant first course for any summer meal. The cashews impart a rich, creamy texture, while the cucumbers and basil provide classic summer flavors.

Makes 4 servings

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INGREDIENTS:

3 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped cucumbers
1 cup raw cashews
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed
1 small clove garlic, minced
1½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
4 sprigs fresh basil, for garnish

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INSTRUCTIONS:

Put the cucumber, cashews, water, lemon juice, salt and garlic in a blender and process until smooth. If the soup is too thick, add more water to reach the desired consistency. Add the chopped basil and pulse several seconds more. Season with more salt, if desired, to taste. Transfer to a container, cover and refrigerate 3 to 4 hours until well-chilled. Serve cold, in soup bowls, garnished with a basil sprig or a few slices of fresh cucumber.

Ingredients

Directions

1

ABOUT THE RECIPE:

This cold Cashew, Cucumber and Basil Soup makes a refreshing warm-weather lunch or elegant first course for any summer meal. The cashews impart a rich, creamy texture, while the cucumbers and basil provide classic summer flavors.

Makes 4 servings

2

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped cucumbers
1 cup raw cashews
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed
1 small clove garlic, minced
1½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
4 sprigs fresh basil, for garnish

3

INSTRUCTIONS:

Put the cucumber, cashews, water, lemon juice, salt and garlic in a blender and process until smooth. If the soup is too thick, add more water to reach the desired consistency. Add the chopped basil and pulse several seconds more. Season with more salt, if desired, to taste. Transfer to a container, cover and refrigerate 3 to 4 hours until well-chilled. Serve cold, in soup bowls, garnished with a basil sprig or a few slices of fresh cucumber.

Cashew, Cucumber and Basil Soup
Recipe adapted from Chef Laura Theodore’s cookbook: Vegan-Ease: An Easy Guide to Enjoying a Plant-Based Diet Learn more about this wonderful book 
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