Chilly Dilly Cucumber Soup

Preparation

1. Combine broth, potatoes, cauliflower (or additional potato) and celery in a large saucepan. Lay the whole dill and chives on top. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Adjust the heat so it boils briskly and cook until the vegetables are very tender when pierced with a fork, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside until cooled slightly.
2. Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup each chopped dill and chives with yogurt in a food processor. Process until the herbs are finely chopped and the mixture is slightly green. Transfer half the mixture to a bowl; cover and refrigerate to use later as a garnish. Leave the remainder in the processor.
3. Using a fork, lift off and discard the herbs from the pan. Transfer the vegetables to the processor with a slotted spoon (leave the broth in the pan). Add butter; process until very smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Add diced cucumber to the broth. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the cucumber is just cooked through but still slightly crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Thoroughly stir the pureed vegetables into the cucumber mixture. Season with pepper. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours or up to 3 days.
5. Serve the soup with a dollop of the reserved herbed yogurt. Garnish with small sprigs of dill, chopped chives and/or half-slices of cucumber, if desired.

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Nutrition