Hungarian Cherry Soup
Introduction
Cold Hungarian Cherry Soup or hideg meggyleves as it is called in its home country is one of the refreshing soups that can be made in summer. It was originally offered as a first course, but it is quite possibly one of the most attractive vegetable-based concoctions in terms of taste, as the sweet-sour combination of ingredients is a perfect marriage. Although it is symbolic for the Hungarian kitchen, it has a rather general appeal with people from different countries. Those who like to experiment with the recipes may find Cold Hungarian Cherry Soup rather invigorating as a dish as much as one may find a tasty mushroom soup rather satisfying.
Historical Background
Cold Hungarian Cherry Soup has its roots in the culinary culture of the Central European region where the habit of incorporating fruits and vegetables in savory preparations is quite common. In Hungary, cherries are ripe till the end of summer and this soup serves as a means of using end of season fruits. Hungarians have modified this dish according to the regions in Hungary; such modifications are seen in the preparations of mushroom soup the world over. It originated as a peasant’s food, then it rose in status and finally constitutes a part of the staple Hungarian diet and cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1kg fresh, frozen or canned sour cherries, such as Morello or Montmorency, pitted
- 175-250g/about 1 cup sugar, to taste
- 750ml/11/4 pints/3 cups dry red wine
- 250ml/8fl oz/1 cup water
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks, each about
- 5cm/2in long
- 5ml/1 tsp almond essence (extract), or to taste
- 250ml/8fl oz/1 cup single (light) cream
- 250ml/8fl oz/1 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
Procedure
1 Put the pitted cherries, water, sugar, cinnamon and wine in a large pan. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the cherries are tender. Remove from the heat and add the almond essence.
2 In a bowl, stir a few tablespoons of single cream into the sour cream or crème fraîche to thin it down, then stir in the rest until the mixture is smooth. Stir the mixture into the cherry soup, then chill until ready to serve.
Cooking Tips
1. Choose the Right Cherries: It is made using sour cherries since they have just the right amount of fresh-fruit sweetness and acid-sourness. If you cannot find fresh sour cherries you can use frozen or jarred cherries instead but be careful with the sugar.
2. Chill Properly: The soup should be well-chilled before serving since this creates a pleasant chilled effect for the soup . It is preferred to be cooked several hours before serving and left to cool in the fridge.
3. Thickening Options: Optionally thick you can add the cornstarch beaten in water, if you want the preserve thicker than it is. Add it during the last ten minutes of the meat’s final simmering.
Nutrient Benefits
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 30 g |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg (22% DV) |
| Vitamin A | 600 IU (12% DV) |
| Calcium | 50 mg (5% DV) |
| Iron | 0.8 mg (4% DV) |
| Potassium | 220 mg (6% DV) |
Customization
– Dairy-Free Option: In order to be vegan, replace the cream with coconut milk or almond milk. This keeps the sauce nice and creamy while bringing a very subtle hint of the tropics to the dish.
– Alcoholic Twist: Getting into the realm of the cocktail a dollop of cherry brandy or red wine can be useful for the adult palate. One may compare it with the addition of wine to a mushroom soup so as to obtain extra richness.
– Spice Variations: Try adding some novel spices such as cloves, star anise or the soup can be given a slight lift of ginger.
– Fruit Combinations: If you want to get a more interesting taste, you can add some other fruits, for example, raspberries or strawberries, with the cherries.
Conclusion
To give some general information, Cold Hungarian Cherry Soup is not only the kind of meal, it is the journey towards the world of Hungarian gastronomical culture. Thus, being a blend of the sweet and the sour taste it is quite the contrast to the other juices. It is suitable to have during a hot summer season or during times when you wish to give a new flavor to a typical dish. It is just like the favorite mushroom soup – it is used wherever and whenever, it is comfortable and enjoyable.
Call to Action
All set to take a plunge into the Hungarian food tasting? Why not prepare this Cold Hungarian Cherry Soup at home! You can share your version with friends and family; be sure to check other unique recipes like mushroom soup on the website. Get into the kitchen and find brand new tasty recipes you have never tried before today!
