Chilled Avocado Soup Shots

Summer gatherings at my place are always a vibrant mix of laughter, sunshine, and of course, delicious food. But this year, I wanted to try something a little different, something that would be both refreshing and sophisticated. That’s when I stumbled upon the recipe for Chilled Avocado Soup Shots. Initially, I was a bit skeptical – avocado in a soup? Cold? However, the promise of a light, flavorful, and healthy appetizer was too tempting to resist. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer! From the moment I served these vibrant green shots, they were a hit. The creamy texture, the zesty lime, and the subtle cilantro notes created a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate. Even my kids, who are usually picky eaters, couldn’t get enough. It was refreshing, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make. The Chilled Avocado Soup Shots were not just a recipe; they were an experience, a burst of summer in every sip, and a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. If you’re looking for a recipe to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a healthy and delightful snack, look no further – this is it!

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe avocados – Peeled, pitted, and roughly chopped. Ripe avocados are crucial for a creamy and smooth texture, and they provide the signature rich flavor.
• 1 cup vegetable broth – Low sodium vegetable broth is preferred to control salt content. It adds a savory depth to the soup and helps achieve the desired consistency.
• ½ cup fresh lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a bright, citrusy tang that balances the richness of the avocado and adds a refreshing zing.
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro – Fresh cilantro leaves contribute a vibrant, herbaceous note that complements the avocado and lime beautifully. It also adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced garlic cloves lend a subtle pungent flavor that enhances the overall savory profile of the soup without being overpowering.
• 1 jalapeño pepper – Seeded and minced (optional, adjust to taste). Jalapeño adds a gentle kick of heat, balancing the creamy coolness of the avocado. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Sea salt or kosher salt is preferred. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and is crucial for seasoning the soup properly.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor, complementing the other seasonings.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a touch of richness and healthy fats. It also contributes to a smoother texture and enhances the flavors.
• Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro sprigs, lime wedges, red pepper flakes, a drizzle of olive oil, or finely diced red onion.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Avocado: Begin by carefully peeling and pitting the ripe avocados. Roughly chop the avocado flesh and place it into a high-speed blender or food processor. Ensure your avocados are truly ripe for the best creamy texture and flavor in your soup shots. Overripe avocados can have a slightly fermented taste, while underripe ones will be hard and lack flavor.
2. Combine Ingredients in Blender: To the blender with the avocado, add the vegetable broth, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño (if using). The order of ingredients doesn’t drastically matter, but placing the heavier avocado at the bottom can sometimes help with smoother blending.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid of your blender tightly. Blend all the ingredients on high speed until you achieve a completely smooth and creamy consistency. This may take a minute or two, depending on the power of your blender. Stop blending occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender jar with a spatula, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and no chunks of avocado remain. The goal is a velvety, lump-free soup.
4. Season to Perfection: Once the soup is blended to a smooth texture, season it with salt and black pepper. Start with the specified amounts and then taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning as needed to your preference. You might want to add a little more lime juice for extra tang, or a pinch more salt to enhance the flavors. Remember that chilling the soup can sometimes slightly diminish the intensity of flavors, so seasoning it slightly bolder at this stage is a good idea.
5. Chill Thoroughly: Pour the blended avocado soup into a container with a lid. Refrigerate the soup for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours, to allow it to chill completely. Chilling is crucial for this recipe as it not only enhances the refreshing quality of the soup but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Cold soup is significantly more enjoyable, especially on a warm day.
6. Serve in Shot Glasses or Small Bowls: Once the soup is thoroughly chilled, it’s ready to serve. For elegant presentation as “shots,” pour the soup into small shot glasses or mini appetizer cups. Alternatively, you can serve it in small bowls for a slightly larger portion. If the soup has thickened too much during chilling, you can add a tablespoon or two of cold vegetable broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
7. Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish each shot or bowl of soup with your chosen toppings. Some excellent garnish options include a fresh cilantro sprig, a thin wedge of lime, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, a delicate drizzle of olive oil for richness, or finely diced red onion for a bit of sharpness and texture. Get creative with your garnishes to enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor profile of your Chilled Avocado Soup Shots. Serve immediately and let your guests enjoy this refreshing and flavorful appetizer!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximately 1/4 cup, assuming 12 servings from the recipe)

• Calories: Approximately 150-180 kcal – A moderate calorie count, making it a light and healthy appetizer option, perfect for those watching their calorie intake.
• Healthy Fats: 12-15g – Primarily from avocado and olive oil, these are mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, known for their heart-health benefits and contribution to satiety.
• Fiber: 3-4g – Avocado is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining a feeling of fullness, contributing to weight management.
• Vitamin K: Significant amount – Avocado is rich in Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health. It plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and preventing excessive bleeding.
• Potassium: Good source – Avocado provides potassium, an important electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure, muscle function, and nerve signals. It’s vital for overall cellular function.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes. It’s always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values if needed.

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes (15 minutes prep + 30 minutes chilling) – This recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Active preparation time is minimal, mostly involving chopping and blending. The majority of the time is spent chilling, which is hands-off.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes – This includes the time taken to peel, pit, and chop the avocados, mince the garlic and jalapeño, chop the cilantro, and gather all the ingredients.
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (minimum, can be longer) – Chilling time is essential for the soup to reach the optimal temperature and for the flavors to fully develop and meld together. Longer chilling times (up to a few hours) are perfectly acceptable and can even enhance the soup’s flavor.

How to Serve

• As Elegant Appetizer Shots:
  • Pour the chilled avocado soup into shot glasses or mini appetizer cups for a sophisticated and visually appealing presentation.
  • Garnish each shot with a small cilantro sprig or a tiny lime wedge for an elegant touch.
  • Arrange the shot glasses on a serving platter or tray for easy handling and passing around at parties.
• In Small Bowls for a Light Starter:
  • Serve larger portions in small bowls as a refreshing first course or light lunch.
  • Offer a variety of garnishes on the side, allowing guests to customize their soup with toppings like red pepper flakes, diced red onion, or a swirl of sour cream or vegan yogurt.
  • Consider serving with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping and added texture.
• As Part of a Summer Buffet:
  • Include Chilled Avocado Soup Shots as a refreshing and healthy option on a summer buffet spread.
  • Label the dish clearly, highlighting its vegan and gluten-free nature to cater to diverse dietary needs.
  • Keep the soup chilled in a container placed in an ice bath to maintain its cold temperature throughout the event, especially if it’s outdoors.
• Garnishing Ideas for Enhanced Presentation:
  • Fresh Herbs: Cilantro sprigs, mint leaves, or chives add freshness and visual appeal.
  • Citrus: Lime wedges, lemon zest, or orange segments provide a burst of color and flavor.
  • Spice: Red pepper flakes, a swirl of chili oil, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika offer a touch of heat.
  • Texture: Finely diced red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, or toasted pumpkin seeds add crunch and interest.
  • Creamy Drizzle: A light drizzle of olive oil, coconut cream, or vegan sour cream enhances richness and visual contrast.

Additional Tips for Perfect Chilled Avocado Soup Shots

1. Use Ripe Avocados: The key to a creamy and flavorful avocado soup is using perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be overly soft or mushy. Ripe avocados will blend smoothly and provide the best flavor. Avoid using underripe avocados as they will be hard, lack flavor, and won’t blend to a creamy consistency.
2. Fresh Lime Juice is Essential: Don’t substitute bottled lime juice for fresh lime juice. Freshly squeezed lime juice has a brighter, more vibrant flavor that is crucial for the refreshing taste of this soup. Bottled lime juice often contains preservatives and lacks the same zestiness.
3. Adjust Spice Level to Your Preference: The recipe calls for jalapeño, which adds a mild kick. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add more jalapeño or use a hotter pepper like serrano. For a milder soup, reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit it altogether. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes of the pepper to control the heat level.
4. Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: Chilling is not just for temperature; it allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. The soup tastes significantly better after it has been properly chilled for at least 30 minutes, and even better after 1-2 hours. If you are in a rush, even 15-20 minutes in the freezer can help speed up the chilling process, but be careful not to freeze it solid.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning Before Chilling: Always taste the soup after blending and before chilling. Adjust the salt, pepper, and lime juice to your liking. It’s easier to adjust the seasoning at this stage. Remember that flavors can mellow slightly when chilled, so you might want to season it slightly bolder than you think is perfect initially.
6. Make it Ahead of Time: Chilled Avocado Soup Shots are perfect for making ahead of time, making them ideal for parties and gatherings. You can prepare the soup up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually enhances the flavors as they have more time to blend. Just give it a good stir before serving.
7. Prevent Browning: Avocado can oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air. To prevent this, ensure the soup is stored in an airtight container. The lime juice in the recipe also helps to slow down oxidation. You can also press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the soup in the container before sealing it to further minimize air exposure.
8. Customize with Variations: Feel free to experiment with variations to personalize your Chilled Avocado Soup Shots. Try adding different herbs like mint or dill, spices like cumin or coriander, or even a touch of sweetness with a hint of agave or maple syrup. For a richer soup, you can substitute a portion of the vegetable broth with coconut milk or cream. Get creative and find your favorite flavor combinations!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this avocado soup without cilantro?
A: Yes, if you are not a fan of cilantro, you can certainly omit it or substitute it with another fresh herb like parsley or mint. Cilantro adds a distinct flavor, but the soup will still be delicious without it. Parsley offers a milder, fresh flavor, while mint can add a refreshing twist.

Q2: How long can I store leftover chilled avocado soup shots?
A: Leftover chilled avocado soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness and flavor, as avocado can start to oxidize and lose its vibrant color and taste over time. Stir well before serving if it has separated slightly.

Q3: Can I freeze avocado soup shots?
A: Freezing avocado soup is not recommended as it can change the texture and consistency of the avocado. Upon thawing, the soup may become watery and less creamy. It’s best to enjoy this soup fresh or within a day or two of making it.

Q4: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients. Ensure you are using vegetable broth and not chicken broth to keep it vegan. All other ingredients are plant-derived, making it a perfect vegan appetizer or light meal option.

Q5: Can I make this soup spicier?
A: Absolutely! If you enjoy spicy food, you can easily increase the heat level of this soup. Add more jalapeño pepper, use a hotter pepper like serrano or habanero (use sparingly!), or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the blender. Taste and adjust until you reach your desired spice level.

Q6: What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?
A: While a high-speed blender will give you the smoothest results, you can still make this soup with a regular blender or even a food processor. Blend for a longer time and stop to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated and the soup is as smooth as possible. You might need to blend in batches if your blender is not very powerful.

Q7: Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
A: Yes, you can substitute lemon juice for lime juice if you prefer or if that’s what you have on hand. Lemon juice will provide a slightly different citrusy flavor profile, a bit more tart than lime, but it will still work well in this recipe and add the necessary acidity to balance the richness of the avocado.

Q8: What are some good variations for this recipe?
A: There are many ways to customize this chilled avocado soup! You can add cucumber for extra freshness, mint for a cooling flavor, cumin or coriander for a warm spice note, or even a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of agave. For a richer version, try adding a splash of coconut milk or cream. Consider adding roasted corn or black beans for a heartier soup. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite variation!

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