Party Time! Cold soups are great for garden parties, the weekly special published in the Chef’s Handyman food blog
Chef’s Handyman Cold Melon Soup
Small talk, socializing is great for garden parties, right! Therefore the menus should be planned in advance, so that the host will be ready to welcome the guests. Cold soups are perfectly made for any occasion. They can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Especially during the summer season a cold aperitif is very refreshing. Spicy, hot or sweet each variation may be served. A perfect starter for each garden party!
Chef’s Handyman’s weekly special: Cold soups for garden parties
Cold melon soup, Chef’s Handyman’s soup of the week!
Any type of melon, except water melon, can be taken for this recipe. Peel and pit melon and cut the slices into cubes. Add vegetable stock and yoghurt. Blend the mixture with the hand blender. Season the soup with spices. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Garnish the soup with whipped cream and sprinkle with chili oil. Add some peppermint leaves.
Tip: Serve the melon soup very cold. For vegan friendly dishes, substitute cream and yoghurt for soy cream and soy yoghurt.
Shopping list for 4 serves:
Berries, Fruits: 2 x melons
Herbs: 1 bunch peppermint
Dairy Products: 5 tbsp. whipped cream, 6 oz. yoghurt (plain), for vegan friendly dishes: Whipped soy cream, soy yoghurt
Oil: 2 teaspoon (s) chili oil
Spices: 2 pinch black pepper, 1 pinch salt, 2 dashes cardamom, 2 dashes cayenne pepper
Stock: 4 fl. oz. vegetable bouillon
Chef’s Handyman’s favorite: Spicy tomato bell pepper soup
Chef’s Handyman Cold Tomato Soup
Cut tomatoes, onions and bell pepper into small pieces. Chop garlic and chili. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Simmer onions, garlic and chili on low heat. Add tomatoes, bell pepper and herbs. Season the soup with salt and black pepper. Cover pan. Cook for 1 hour over low heat. Mix tomato soup with a hand blender. If the soup might be too thick add water. Cool the soup and leave it in the fridge for one hour, better overnight.
Tip: Soup can be prepared in advance. During winter season, substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones.
Shopping list for 4 serves:
Fruits, Vegetables: 16 oz. tomatoes, 3 x onion s, 3 x sweet pepper (red, green or yellow)
Oil: 2 tbsp. olive oil
Spices: 3 dashes black pepper, 1 tsp. salt, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 x chili
Herbs: 1 bunch oregano, 1 bunch thyme
Have a great weekend, yours Chef’s Handyman team.
Outlook of the next blog post published in the Chef’s Handyman food blog: Breads for summer parties!
