One day in July I was walking home, thinking about what to have for lunch. The temperature was approaching forty degrees and I decided that a refreshing, cold soup would be just the thing. It had to be quick as I didn't have much time, so I bought some yoghurt and a couple of fresh, crisp cucumbers. At home I figured a bit of mint would enhance the cooling effect. A drop of lemon juice, a clove of garlic and a little chilli and cumin completed the picture and within ten minutes I was enjoying my soup.
Mint and chilli increase blood circulation in the skin and extremities, which allows heat to escape from your body and the chilli also causes light sweating which enhances this effect. Lemon, being acidic, is thirst quenching. I added the garlic and cumin primarily for taste. This really was a refreshing soup and I would recommend it for very hot days.
2 small cucumbers
1 clove of garlic, chopped
2 or 3 cups of yoghurt
Juice of half a lemon
2 or 3 large pinches of dried mint
A pinch of chilli powder
A quarter teaspoon of cumin powder
Salt
Cold water
1 firm tomato, de seeded and finely chopped, for garnish
Peel the cucumbers, chop them finely and mix with the yoghurt, lemon juice and spices. Thin with water to a suitable consistency and add salt to taste. Serve with a sprinkling of chopped tomato and, if you're trying to impress, a couple of fresh mint leaves.