- 3 large cucumbers (2 1/2 pounds total), peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks
- 1 Cubanelle pepper (Italian green frying pepper), halved lengthwise and seeded
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted roasted cashews
- 2 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
- 1 large garlic clove, chopped
- Garnish: diced tomato; chopped chives
- Purée cucumbers and half of Cubanelle (finely chop remaining half for garnish) with water, oil, cashews, vinegar, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a blender (in batches if necessary) until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and chill until cold, about 2 hours. Whisk before serving and season with salt and pepper.