CREAM OF CUCUMBER SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine spinach, onions and stock in a saucepan, and turn heat to medium high. Bring to a boil, and lower heat so mixture barely bubbles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is very tender, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat, add nutmeg and a sprinkling of salt and pepper, and let cool at least a few minutes.
• Pour soup into a blender, in batches if necessary, and carefully purée. Return to pan, add cream, and, over medium-low heat, reheat gently, stirring occasionally. When soup is hot, adjust seasoning, and serve.

Steps:

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine portobello mushrooms, oyster mushrooms and soy sauce. Cover; microwave on high for 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Strain liquid into a large stockpot; set mushrooms aside. Add the carrots, celery, water, onion, bay leaves and thyme to stockpot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Strain vegetables from stockpot; discard. Stir in lemon juice, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. , Add dried mushrooms to hot broth; let stand until softened, 2-3 minutes. Strain liquid into stockpot, reserving 1/2 cup. Combine reconstituted mushrooms with reserved mushrooms. Place half of mushrooms into stockpot. Add remaining mushrooms, tofu and reserved broth into a blender. Cover; blend until smooth. Stir mixture into broth in stockpot. Cook and stir until heated through, 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.