Skip to main content

Cold Cucumber and Cubanelle Soup with Cashews and Chives

4.2

(15)

Image may contain Food Dish Meal Bowl Platter Soup Bowl and Pottery
Photo by John Kernick

Cool to the eye as well as on the palate, this gazpacho-like starter gets its body and buttery undertones from cashews. Yes, the Cubanelle pepper was initially chosen for its starting letter, but its mild sweetness and juicy crunch clinched the decision.

Cooks' Note

Soup is best the day it is made.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    2 1/4 hr (includes chilling)

  • Yield

    6 servings

Ingredients

3 large cucumbers (2 1/2 pounds total), peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
1 Cubanelle pepper (Italian green frying pepper), halved lengthwise and seeded
2 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews
2 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
1 large garlic clove, chopped
Garnish: diced tomato; chopped chives

Preparation

  1. Purée cucumbers and half of Cubanelle (finely chop remaining half for garnish) with water, oil, cashews, vinegar, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a blender (in batches if necessary) until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and chill until cold, about 2 hours. Whisk before serving and season with salt and pepper.

Read More
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.