In Which We Talk You into Cold Soups

While it’s true that you can find Vichyssoise (that delightfully cool, velvety potato soup) offered year-round, most cold soups are pretty much only served in summer. So if you haven’t had the chance to treat yourself to a refreshing cold soup, do so soon before it’s too late! And if you don’t think you like cold soups, read on.

I know cold soups are controversial for some of you, and on some level I get that — soup usually falls squarely into the “served very hot” category. And I agree with you; soup should be served very hot unless, of course, it’s served very cold. It’s the tepid, room-temperature soups that scare me.

If you don’t like the concept of cold soups, think of them as liquid salad or a savory smoothie eaten out of a bowl (to mash up two very au courant food obsessions.) Just remove the soup label all together if that helps.

See below for just a few of my favorite summer soups. I encourage you to explore the list deeply, but quickly! The time is soon coming when all you will want are heavy braised meats and things made with hot chicken stock. Don’t let summer pass you by without experiencing at least one bowl of silky, refreshing, delicious chilled whatever-you-want-to-call-it!

• Seasonal Recipe: Chilled Pea Soup with Radish and Mango Relish
• Chilled Buttermilk Soup for Hot Summer Days
• White Gazpacho
• Yes, You Can Eat Soup in 80-Degree Weather (as Long as It’s This Gazpacho)
• Chilled Gazpacho Andaluz in the Style of Pedro Almodóvar