GARDEN OF EDEN SOUP

Garden of Eden Soup image

Yield MAKES ABOUT 5 CUPS

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large English or other thin-skinned cucumber, seeded and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup plain yogurt, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar, more as needed
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, more as needed
6 large fresh mint leaves
1 medium jalapeño, coarsely chopped (for less heat, remove the seeds first)
1 large scallion, chopped into 1-inch pieces
Kosher salt
3/4 cup water
2 large avocados (about 1 1/4 pounds), flesh scooped out and coarsely mashed with a fork
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Thinly sliced chives, for garnish

Steps:

Combine the cucumber, yogurt, cilantro, vinegar, lime juice, mint, jalapeño, scallion, 1 teaspoon salt, and the water in a blender. Puree just until smooth. Add the avocados and pulse a few times just to blend. (Don't blend any more than necessary, as it will over-aerate and thicken the soup undesirably.)
Transfer to a bowl and whisk constantly as you slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
Taste and stir in more salt, vinegar, or lime juice as needed. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of chives.