Spicy Cold Cucumber Soup

Spiked with chiles, nam pla, and lime, this is a far cry from the usual sour-cream-and-dill cucumber soup, and a welcome change in midsummer. It may be prepared a day or two in advance, and can be made more substantial by adding about a cup of cold cooked crab-meat or shrimp at the last minute.

Follow this soup with Chicken with Lemongrass or 9-Spice Rack of Lamb with Cucumber Relish.