BEAT THE HEAT WITH COLD SOUPS

Cold soups are among the best foods to keep yourself refreshed and cool during the scorching summers, say Delhi NCR chefs

Abhinav Verma

For most soup fans, summer is a tricky season. Why? Because, there’s an assumption that soups are meant only for the winter season. However, according to chefs in the city, that’s not the case, as some soups are best served cold.

“Cold soups are just what you need to rejuvenate yourself on a hot summer day. They are delicious, and offer more nutritional benefits in comparison to hot ones,” says chef Vaibhav Bhargav.

If this is the case, then how come cold soups aren’t so popular in Delhi? “Cold soups are a staple in Britain and Mediterranean countries. Gazpacho, a cold soup made from raw blended vegetables, is a classic of Spanish cuisine and is famous all over the world. However, in India, there is a lack of awareness about cold soups. But, it’s changing now, especially because people are now recognising its health benefits,” adds Bhargav.

So, what exactly are its benefits? “Hot soups contain less vitamins and minerals when compared to cold soups because the constant simmering destroys nutrients. Cold soups are not cooked, which means its raw ingredients — fruits, vegetables and herbs — are preserved. They are high in antioxidants; they lower our blood pressure and make us feel energetic. Also, they are lighter and contain less fat and meat per serving,” explains chef Harangad Singh.

Apart from keeping us hydrated during summer and helping us stay healthy, cold soups are also versatile enough to be experimented with. “If you want a bit of quirkiness in your soup, then you can add wine or liqueur of your choice, as they blend easily. Otherwise, ingredients such as edamame and mushroom work really well,” suggests chef Ritesh Negi.