Elderberry Soup Recipe
Description:
Strange as it sounds, this Elderberry Soup is a delightful, unconventional cold soup perfect for serving at special luncheons alongside dainty finger sandwiches. Bursting with fruity flavors and accented with subtle hints of cinnamon and lemon, this European-inspired soup is sure to impress your guests with its unique taste and elegant presentation.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Recipe Category: Pears
- Keywords: Fruit, Belgian, European, < 60 Mins, Stove Top
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups elderberries
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- Peel of 1 lemon
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 pears
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons white wine
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 408.8
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Cholesterol: 5.7mg
- Sodium: 70.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 95.2g
- Fiber: 20.1g
- Sugar: 42.5g
- Protein: 2.2g
Instructions:
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Prepare Elderberries: Remove the elderberries from the stems, wash them with cold water, and allow them to drain thoroughly.
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Cook Elderberries: In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the washed elderberries to the boiling water and let them cook over low heat with the lid on for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Strain Mixture: After cooking, press the softened elderberries and water through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to extract their juices. Return the strained liquid to the saucepan.
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Add Flavorings: To the strained elderberry liquid, add the cinnamon stick, lemon peel, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine.
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Prepare Pears: Peel, core, and thinly slice the pears. Add the pear slices to the elderberry mixture in the saucepan. Allow the pears to cook in the soup for a few minutes until they are tender but still retain their shape.
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Remove Spices: Once the pears are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel from the soup.
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Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the white wine until smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly, to thicken the soup slightly. Continue cooking for another few minutes until the soup has reached your desired consistency.
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Chill Soup: Transfer the prepared elderberry soup to a refrigerator-safe container and chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours, or until it is cold and refreshing.
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Serve: When ready to serve, ladle the chilled elderberry soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
This elegant Elderberry Soup is best enjoyed on warm days as a refreshing starter or light dessert, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Serve it alongside your favorite finger sandwiches or as a standalone dish to impress your guests with its unique charm and sophisticated appeal. So why not give this unconventional soup a try and elevate your next luncheon or gathering with its delightful flavors and elegant presentation! 🍲🍐🍋