Chilled fennel soup offers a uniquely refreshing experience, perfectly capturing the essence of summer with its crisp, licorice-infused flavor and silky texture.This vibrant dish owes its charm to the delicate balance of fennel’s sweet anise notes and fresh, cooling ingredients-making it an ideal starter or light meal for warm days. Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean coastal cuisine, where fennel grows wild and summer harvesting is at its peak, this soup invites you to explore layers of flavor that are both soothing and intriguingly shining.
Prep and Cook Time
Total Time: 25 minutes (Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes)
Yield
Serves 4
Difficulty Level
Easy
Ingredients
- 2 large bulbs fennel, trimmed and chopped (reserve fronds for garnish)
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth, low sodium
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, finely chopped (optional, for subtle herbal notes)
- Ice cubes, as needed to chill
instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: in a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
- Add fennel: Toss in the chopped fennel bulbs. Cook gently for another 5 minutes until they soften and release their sweet aroma but avoid caramelizing them.
- Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 7 minutes until fennel is tender.
- Cool down: Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender, adding diced cucumber and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate yogurt: Add Greek yogurt directly into the blender and pulse briefly to integrate smoothly without curdling. adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Chill thoroughly: Pour the soup into a bowl or pitcher; add ice cubes if it needs quicker chilling. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Final garnish: Just before serving, stir in finely chopped dill if using, and sprinkle reserved fennel fronds on top for an appealing, fresh finish.
Tips for success
- To balance the pronounced licorice notes of fennel, lemon juice and cucumber add refreshing brightness and subtle texture contrast, preventing any overpowering sweetness.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option,substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or a splash of almond milk,maintaining creaminess while keeping it light.
- For an even silkier texture, strain the blended soup through a fine mesh sieve before chilling.
- This soup can be made up to 24 hours ahead; flavors meld beautifully overnight, deepening the character without losing freshness.
- Adjust thickness by adding more vegetable broth if you like a lighter soup or more yogurt for a richer consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Present your chilled fennel soup in wide-rimmed bowls or elegant glass cups to showcase its pale green hue. Garnish with fresh fennel fronds, finely minced chives, or even a sprinkle of
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
To delve deeper into similar refreshing soups featuring fresh summer produce,check out our collection of summer chilled soup recipes. For more botanical insights into the health benefits of fennel and its culinary versatility, the Medical news Today offers an excellent resource.
Q&A
Q&A: Chilled Fennel Soup – A Refreshing Licorice-Flavored Summer delight
Q1: What makes chilled fennel soup a perfect summer dish?
A1: Chilled fennel soup combines coolness and crisp, aromatic flavors, making it a revitalizing choice for hot days. The natural sweetness and subtle licorice undertones of fennel awaken your palate while keeping you refreshed, without the heaviness of cream-based soups.
Q2: How would you describe the flavor profile of fennel in this soup?
A2: Fennel brings a unique, delicate anise or licorice flavor that’s both sweet and slightly herbal. When blended into a chilled soup,this flavor emerges gently,balanced by fresh ingredients like citrus or cucumber,creating a complex yet soothing taste experience.
Q3: What are the key ingredients in chilled fennel soup?
A3: The foundation is fresh fennel bulbs, known for their crisp texture and aromatic essence. Often paired with cooling elements like cucumber, green apple, or celery, plus a splash of citrus juice and fresh herbs such as dill or mint. A touch of onion or garlic can add depth, and some recipes call for yogurt or cream for silkiness, though it can be perfectly refreshing without dairy.
Q4: How do you prepare chilled fennel soup?
A4: Preparing it is simple and quick. You lightly sauté or blanch the fennel to soften its bite if desired, then blend it with your chosen fresh ingredients and liquid-vegetable broth, water, or a light stock. After blending until smooth, chill the soup thoroughly before serving. Garnish with fennel fronds or a drizzle of olive oil for added elegance.
Q5: Can chilled fennel soup suit different dietary needs?
A5: Absolutely! It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by skipping any dairy or substituting with plant-based alternatives. It’s also low-calorie, nutrient-rich, and hydrating-a fantastic option for health-conscious eaters seeking somthing light yet flavorful.
Q6: What occasions are ideal for serving chilled fennel soup?
A6: This soup shines at summer gatherings,garden parties,and elegant luncheons.Its vibrant flavor and cooling properties make it an remarkable starter or a light main course on warm evenings. Plus, its visually appealing pale green hue adds a touch of sophistication to your table.
Q7: Any tips to enhance or customize the soup?
A7: for a twist, add a hint of spice with a touch of ginger or a sprinkle of chili flakes.Pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh salad can turn it into a complete meal. experimenting with herbs like basil or tarragon, or adding a burst of acidity with lime instead of lemon, can personalize the flavor to your liking.
Q8: Why is fennel often overlooked, and why should it be celebrated more?
A8: Fennel’s distinctive flavor can be intimidating for some due to its licorice notes, which not everyone loves. However, when prepared thoughtfully, it offers a fresh, innovative taste that can elevate seasonal cooking. Celebrating fennel in a chilled soup highlights its versatility and encourages culinary creativity, making it a worthy star in summer cuisine.
Enjoy your journey with chilled fennel soup-a subtly sweet, refreshingly crisp elixir that captures the essence of sunny days and cool breezes in every sip!
Concluding Remarks
as summer’s heat lingers and the palate craves something both cool and captivating, chilled fennel soup emerges as the perfect culinary companion. Its subtle licorice notes and crisp texture not only refresh the senses but also invite a moment of mindful indulgence. Whether served as a light starter or a revitalizing midday treat, this vibrant soup transforms humble ingredients into a sophisticated summer delight. So next time the thermometer rises, let chilled fennel soup be your go-to recipe-a graceful balance of flavor and chill that celebrates the season’s bounty with every spoonful.