Chilled Avocado-Cucumber Soup with Crostini

Name: Chilled Avocado-Cucumber Soup with Crostini
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers, peeled and chopped; 2 avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled; 2 scallions, chopped; 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves; 1 jalapeño, seeds removed for less heat if desired; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 baguette, cut on the bias into ¼-inch-thick slices; 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed; 4 large eggs; 6 ounces thinly sliced ham

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By

Shira Bocar

Updated on June 23, 2020

chilled avocado-cucumber soup with crostini ham and eggs — Photo: Con Poulos

Prep Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 35 mins

Servings:

4

If you're a gazpacho fan try this, its verdant cousin, packed with refreshing cucumbers, cilantro, and scallions, plus avocados for dairy-free creaminess. Pop the ingredients in the blender, chill, and serve this cool soup with a platter of good ham, jammy eggs, blanched asparagus, and crisp crostini for DIY tartines.

Ingredients

2 English cucumbers, peeled and chopped
2 avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
2 scallions, chopped
1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 jalapeño, seeds removed for less heat if desired
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 baguette, cut on the bias into ¼-inch-thick slices
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
4 large eggs
6 ounces thinly sliced ham

Directions

In a blender, combine cucumbers, avocados, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and 1 cup water; blend until smooth. Season with salt and stir in up to 1/4 cup more water until consistency is like that of heavy cream. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush both sides with oil; season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add asparagus; cook until bright green and tender, 2 to 3 minutes, depending on thickness. Transfer to a plate; let cool slightly.
Return water to a boil; gently lower in eggs with a slotted spoon and cook 7 minutes. Transfer to ice bath and let stand 5 minutes. Peel and halve eggs; season to taste.
Ladle soup into bowls and drizzle with oil. Serve with crostini, asparagus, eggs, and ham.

Cook's Notes

This soup is best served the day you make it, but the crostini, asparagus, and eggs can be made a day ahead.