Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

This Cucumber Matcha Soup Is Surprisingly Filling & Full Of Fiber

Annie Bell
Author:
January 26, 2020
Annie Bell
Contributing writer
By Annie Bell
Contributing writer
Annie Bell is a Cookery Writer and Registered Associate Nutritionist with a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition. Awarded Journalist of the Year by the Guild of Food Writers, she continues to contribute to a wide variety of national newspapers and magazines, in addition to writing her own titles.
Vegan Cucumber Matcha Soup
Image by Con Poulos / Contributor
January 26, 2020
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.

This soup is a fabulous green, and the inclusion of matcha and lemon verbena or mint provides a little mystery. There's also no need to peel the cucumber; there's plenty of goodness in the skin!

Fresh silken tofu and the pasteurized variety sold in cartons are worlds apart. This may mean a trip to a good health food store or a Japanese deli, but you will be well rewarded. This is a low-calorie soup that's high in protein as well as being a source of fiber and vitamin K. 

Cucumber and Matcha Soup with Seaweed

Serves 4

For the cucumber:

  • 1 cucumber, ends discarded, peeled and thinly sliced
  • Sea salt
  • 50 ml (2 fl. oz.) vegan white wine vinegar 
  • 50 g (1¾ oz.) caster sugar 

For the soup:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 banana shallots, peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 900 g (2 lb.) cucumber (2 to 3 cucumbers), ends trimmed, halved lengthwise, and thickly sliced
  • 300 g (10½ oz.) fresh silken tofu
  • 8 small lemon verbena or mint leaves
  • ¾ teaspoon matcha powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the garnish:

  • Seaweed sprinkle or flakes
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Method:

  1. For the pickled cucumber, season the cucumber with salt in a large bowl and set aside for 30 minutes before rinsing in a colander. Return the cucumber to the bowl.
  2. Bring 50 ml (2 fl. oz.) water, the vinegar, and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, pour over the cucumber and leave to cool, then drain into a sieve and dry on a double thickness of kitchen paper. 
  3. For the soup, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and fry the shallots for a few minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the cucumber and continue to fry for about 5 minutes until it relaxes. Purée the vegetables in a blender with the tofu, the verbena or mint, matcha, lemon juice, and some salt. 
  4. Pass through a sieve into a bowl.
  5. Serve the soup hot or cold, with the pickled cucumber in the center, scattered with seaweed flakes and sesame seeds. If reheating, avoid boiling to preserve the color of the matcha.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Food
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.