Beat-the-Heat with Chilled Summer Soups

When summer temps spike, call on these 7 chilled soup recipes for instant refreshment.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

When summer temperatures spike and the air conditioning can’t begin to cut the heat, the very last thing you want to do is turn on an oven or sweat over a fiery grill. Instead, beat the heat with chilled summer soups, which are not only delicious and instantly cooling, but even improve when given a little time in the fridge for the flavors to meld. Make a big batch of soup showcasing fleeting summer produce such as tomatoes, corn, cucumbers or berries, and start enjoying the fleeting tastes of summer by the spoonful.

If you could capture summer in a bowl, it would be Ree Drummond’s Gazpacho (pictured above). First, she blitzes Roma tomatoes together with garlic, red onion, cukes, celery and zucchini. Then, she drizzles in olive oil for richness and body, vinegar for tartness, and hot sauce for kick. But it’s Ree’s garnishes that take this dish to the next level: Sliced avocado, cilantro leaves, minced hard-boiled eggs and grilled shrimp make each bowl a satisfying meal.

Chilled Carrot Soup

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Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Break out your immersion blender for Michael Symon’s sophisticated Chilled Carrot Soup. Fresh ginger, jalapeno, coriander and cumin seeds spice up a broth made with chicken stock and coconut milk, but the natural sweetness of carrots is the real star of this delicious show. Top the soup with a swipe of creme fraiche and cilantro leaves for a presentation that would make Chef Symon proud.

Tyler Florence highlights the sweet flavors of petite green peas, mint and fresh lump crabmeat in his Chilled Pea Shots with Spicy Crab. Pour the chilled soup into shot glasses, top with some sambal-spiced crab, and say bottoms up for a sure-to-impress brunch or dinner party starter.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

If there’s a more delicious way to cool down than our 5-star Chilled Creamy Cucumber Soup recipe, we don’t know it. Simply blend cucumbers with yogurt, lemon juice, a touch of garlic and honey, and fresh dill for a refreshing and totally slurpable lunch or dinner.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

This simple Chilled Corn Soup calls for just five ingredients: corn, onions, garlic, vegetable oil and a can of coconut milk. But you’ll have fun experimenting with different sweet and savory add-ins, such as cilantro, chiles in adobo, balls of honeydew melon or even caramel corn.

Classic Spanish gazpacho it’s not, but that’s one reason why Cucumber-Lychee Gazpacho with Feta Crostini is so special. First, make a silky-smooth soup by whirring cucumber, lychees, almonds, mint, cilantro and yogurt together in a blender. Give the mixture a little time to chill, then add a crisp crostini topped with tangy feta and smoked paprika.

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