Chilled Cucumber and Herb Soup

Variations of this are common in Middle Eastern countries. It is one of those dishes which just make sense – the combination of cooling ingredients, yoghurt, cucumber and summer herbs, goes together like fish and chips, or kebab and lavash if you like. But I think that it is generally acknowledged that it is Iranian in origin, and certainly their version of it is the most interesting.

Whatever the provenance, it makes a dreamy summer starter, and comforting fridge-food at any