I suppose locavore-ism (locavorality? locavorability?) is not an all-or-nothing proposition. If the ultimate purpose is to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, then perhaps being conscious of what I buy and where it is grown without giving up some of my non-local favourites is all anyone can really ask of me. What is it, exactly, that I am so unwilling to give up? Well, avocados for one thing. I love them dearly and would eat one every day, if I could. If avocados grew locally, I would plant two or three trees in my yard and eat them morning, noon and night. I love them that much, I really do. I promise you this – if modern science ever finds a way to grow avocados in Massachusetts, I will become a full-time, diehard locavore.
Without question, one of the best ways to eat avocado is in guacamole. Having lived in Arizona for five years, I fancy myself something of a guacamole connoisseur. I’ve had my share of ho-hum guac, but truth be told, even bad guacamole is a far sight better than some things I can imagine. The combination of avocado, garlic and jalapeno is just THAT good, you really can’t mess it up too badly. But some are, inevitably, better than others. My husband makes a mean guacamole with lots of spice and garlic, and we’ve both been known to overindulge when he makes it.
The idea of using the flavours of guacamole in a soup just came to me one day last week and I had to make it as soon as I could. I’ve had avocado soups before, and they were lovely. As the weather heats up, cold soups are a wonderful way to enjoy fresh produce without having to cook. And they really make a wonderful appetizer or side dish with BBQ and other grilled meats. I took a pretty basic guacamole recipe, increased the garlic and the jalapeno, pureed it with some chicken stock and stirred in some cream. After an hour chilling in the fridge, it was ready to eat.
The Results: There really was no way for me to go wrong here. If you like guacamole, you’ll like this soup, it’s as simple as that! We ate ours with some grilled steak and some salad, and it was a wonderful meal. The soup is velvety and creamy, and quite rich so a little goes a long way. You could use your favourite guac recipe, but I will share how I did mine and you can modify as you see fit. Increase or decrease the seasonings and heat as you like, it’s up to you.
Like real guacamole, this soup is best eaten very fresh. More than 24 hours sitting around, and it takes on that brownish appearance of day-old guac. Some soups get better after a day or so for the flavours to marry, but this is not one of them. I’d recommend eating within 24 to 48 hours of making it.
Chilled Guacamole Soup
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
2 avocados, peeled and pitted
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and coarsely chopped
¼ cup red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne
¼ cup whipping cream
2 tablespoon sour cream
6 tablespoon cheddar cheese, shredded
In a food processor combine 1 cup of chicken broth with avocados, garlic, jalapeño, onion, lime juice and cilantro. Puree until smooth. Add remaining 1 ½ cups broth, salt, pepper and cayenne and blend. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and stir in whipping cream. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.
Divide soup among 6 bowls. In the center of each bowl, dollop 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of sour cream. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon shredded cheese.
Serves 6 (½ cup servings). Each serving has a total of 7g of carbs and 2g of fiber.
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
Now this is a cold soup I could really get into. Especially as hot as it's been this week!
Vanessa says
I love chilled avocado soup with a spicy crema on top. SO good on a hot summer day!
briarrose says
You definitely couldn't go wrong with this one. 🙂 Excellent way to use avocados.
bakerbyNature says
I've yet to try the whole cold soup phenomenon, but I am a serious guacamole fan; this may be the perfect gateway soup for me!
purabi naha says
You have used avocados so well! I loved this recipe and now I am following you. Shall visit here soon.
Magic of Spice says
It can be very difficult depending on where you live especially to only buy local. I agree that doing what you can and when you can is what is important. And as for this soup…wow! What a fantastic idea, a must try 🙂
Cook With Susan says
Congratulations on making the top 9. Making guacamole soup was brilliant! I have to give it a try.
The Mistress of Spices says
This sounds AMAZING! There is nothing like guacamole, and it's just genius to make a cold soup out of it. I'm bookmarking this and making as soon as I get some avocados!
Jill Colonna says
Completely with you, Carolyn, on supporting local. In France, it's very much the done thing, otherwise the farmers just keep going on strike! Love the term, locavore and adore the look of this summery chilled guacamole soup. Fantastic just seen top9, too! J xo
Sandra says
Congrats on top 9!!! I totally missed this one…Looks awesome!!!
Nami @ Just One Cookbook says
Chilled soup is nice in summer! We don't have to give up "soup" in general because we can enjoy chilled one like this. I love guacamole and this is a nice way to eat it rather than our usual ways of cooking/eating it. Thanks for sharing!
Angie's Recipes says
This looks simply gorgeous! Love its pleasant springy colour.
The Café Sucré Farine says
Yum, what a great soup for a hot summer day, love all the flavors and the color is just beautiful! Great idea!
Katrina {In Katrina's Kitchen} says
I have never had a cold soup but I've always ben interested. This looks perfect! I love guac in any form!
Jeanette says
With the weather getting so hot, cold soups are especially appealing, especially if they require no cooking! This one sounds wonderful – I love guacamole flavors!
The Harried Cook says
What a great idea for a summer soup! I love guacamole and so I think I would really enjoy this… Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Torviewtoronto says
delicious looking spicy soup looks fabulous
Cooking Rookie says
Looks great! Such colorful photo :-). Must be tasty too .. yum
Katherine Martinelli says
I love everything about this soup! I agree that sometimes it can be so hard to eat totally local.
Lizzy says
Oh, yeah, I heartily approve! I think this will be my new favorite summer soup 🙂