Equipment
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 500 g plain low-fat yogurt, cold
- 1 english cucumber, grated
- 150 ml ice water
Aromatics and Seasoning
- 1 garlic, minced into a paste
- 15 ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 10 g fresh mint, finely chopped
- 3 g ground cumin
- 2 g salt
- 1 g smoked paprika, reserved for garnish
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Using a box grater, grate the English cucumber onto a clean kitchen towel. Gently squeeze to remove about half of the excess liquid, ensuring the cucumber does not water down the soup base.
Place the plain low-fat yogurt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until the texture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
Add the squeezed grated cucumber, minced garlic paste, lemon juice, finely chopped mint, ground cumin, and salt to the smoothed yogurt. Stir until the aromatics are evenly distributed.
Gradually whisk the ice water into the yogurt mixture, pouring in a steady stream until the soup reaches a light, drinkable consistency. You may not need all the water.
Cover the mixing bowl tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the garlic to mellow and the cumin to infuse into the dairy.
Ladle the cold soup into chilled bowls. Garnish each serving with a light dusting of smoked paprika immediately before serving.
Chef's Notes
- Using an English or Persian cucumber prevents the need for peeling or seeding, keeping preparation quick and maximizing the vegetable's natural nutrients.
- For the best flavor development, allowing the soup to chill for an hour is crucial. Raw garlic mellows significantly in the dairy, and the ground cumin blooms into a warming undertone.
- Always whisk your yogurt before introducing liquids or chunky ingredients. This simple technique breaks the protein structure slightly, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky smooth base.
- Mashing the garlic with a tiny pinch of coarse salt on your cutting board creates a paste that distributes much more evenly than standard minced garlic.
Storage
Refrigerator: 3 days — Keep in an airtight container. Stir well before serving as separation is normal.
