Sour Cherry Soup

4/1/2025

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Description

Sour Cherry Soup is a traditional Hungarian summertime treat, brilliantly balancing sweet and tart flavors in one refreshing dish.

Ingredients

• 400 grams of fresh sour cherries, pitted
• 1 litre of water
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 lemon, peeled rind and juice
• 120ml red wine
• Salt, to taste
• 200 ml sour cream
• 3-4 tbsp flour

Optional Ingredients

• 100 ml heavy cream or crème fraîche - To give a richer, creamy texture to the soup.
• 2 tbsp Cherry Liquor - It will add another layer of cherry flavor and a nice boozy kick towards the end.
• Fresh Mint Leaves - Great for garnishing and giving a fresh touch to the soup

Estimated Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the cherries, water, sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, lemon rind, and a pinch of salt. Be sure to keep a few cherries aside for garnishing.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes - until the cherries are soft and tender.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth.
4. Gradually ladle approximately 120ml of the hot cherry soup into the sour cream mixture, whisking continuously.
5. Once the two are well combined, pour this mixture back into the pot.
6. Continue simmering the soup on low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the red wine and lemon juice, adjusting the seasoning with sugar or salt if necessary.
8. If added, pour in the cherry liquor just before turning off the heat. Allow the soup to cool before serving.
9. Serve chilled, garnished with the reserved cherries and a fresh sprig of mint (if using).

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