Summer's here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a bowl of delightfully chilled cherry soup? This recipe is more than just a dessert; it's a refreshing culinary experience, perfect for a light lunch, a palate-cleansing intermezzo, or a unique and delicious end to a summer meal. This cold cherry soup recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time and readily available ingredients. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant homemade dish!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (about 1 pound)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or to taste, adjust based on cherry sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon Kirsch (cherry liqueur, optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnishes: fresh cherries, a dollop of whipped cream, chopped fresh mint, a sprinkle of toasted almonds
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cherries:
If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely before proceeding. If using fresh cherries, remove the pits. This is easiest with a cherry pitter, but a chopstick or small knife works in a pinch.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients:
Combine the cherries, water, sugar, lemon juice, Kirsch (if using), and salt in a blender or food processor.
Step 3: Blending the Soup:
Blend until completely smooth. If the soup is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of extra water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Chilling the Soup:
Transfer the soup to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill thoroughly. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
Step 5: Serving the Delight:
Serve the cold cherry soup chilled in small bowls or glasses. Garnish with your choice of fresh cherries, a dollop of whipped cream, chopped fresh mint, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for an extra touch of elegance.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your cherries. Taste the soup before chilling and add more sugar if needed.
- Spice it Up: For a subtle hint of spice, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the soup while blending.
- Creamy Texture: For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche before serving.
- Vegan Option: Omit the Kirsch and whipped cream for a vegan-friendly version. You can use a vegan whipped cream alternative for a garnish.
- Frozen Cherry Delight: This recipe works beautifully with frozen cherries. The slight icy texture adds a refreshing element to the soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without garnish):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on sugar and cream additions)
- Sugar: Naturally occurring sugars from cherries, plus added sugar.
- Fiber: Good source of dietary fiber from cherries.
This cold cherry soup recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Perfect for a summer gathering or a quiet evening at home, this simple recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. This homemade cooking adventure is a great example of transforming readily available ingredients into a truly special dish. Enjoy the best recipes and savor the taste of summer!