Chilled Cantaloupe and Mint Soup
In short: A refreshing no-cook soup of ripe cantaloupe, orange, lime, ginger and mint, served ice cold as a starter on hot days. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 105 kcal
Cold melon soup is a classic hot-weather starter in many places, and cantaloupe makes a particularly good one. Ripe melon is blended with orange and lime juice, a little ginger and plenty of fresh mint, then chilled until very cold. A pinch of salt and some black pepper keep it from tasting like a dessert. Serve small portions in chilled glasses or bowls, as the soup is sweet and a little goes a long way.
Instructions
- Put the melon, orange juice, lime juice, mint, ginger, salt and chili flakes, if using, in a blender. Blend for about 1 minute, until completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust with more lime juice or salt. If the soup is thicker than you like, thin it with a little cold water, since melons vary in juiciness.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, until very cold.
- Stir, then pour into small chilled bowls or glasses. Top with mint leaves, a few drops of olive oil and cracked black pepper.
Tips
- Choose a melon that feels heavy and smells sweet at the stem end. An underripe melon makes a bland soup, and a teaspoon of maple syrup can help if yours is not very sweet.
- Serve this in small portions as a starter or a palate cleanser, rather than as a main soup.
Questions and answers
Is cantaloupe soup a dessert or a starter?
It is usually served as a light starter or a cooling course on hot days. The lime, ginger, salt and pepper keep it savory. For dessert, add a spoonful of maple syrup and top it with coconut yogurt.
How long does chilled cantaloupe soup keep?
It keeps for 24 to 36 hours in the fridge. It may separate slightly as it sits, so stir it well before serving.
Can I use honeydew or watermelon instead?
Yes. Honeydew works the same way. Watermelon is thinner and juicier, so use less orange juice and add a little extra lime.
How long does it take to make Chilled Cantaloupe and Mint Soup?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chilled Cantaloupe and Mint Soup?
About 105 kcal per serving, with 2 g of protein, 18 g of carbohydrates and 3 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 105 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
