Blåbärssoppa

Blåbärssoppa is a traditional Swedish dish, typically served as a dessert or a snack. It is a soup made from bilberries, which are a type of wild blueberry native to Europe. The soup is often sweetened with sugar and thickened with starch or flour. It can be served either hot or cold, and is sometimes accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

History

The tradition of making blåbärssoppa dates back to at least the 18th century in Sweden. Bilberries were abundant in the Swedish countryside, and the soup was a way to make use of this plentiful resource. The soup was traditionally made in the summer, when the berries were in season, and then preserved for use throughout the winter.

Preparation

To prepare blåbärssoppa, the bilberries are first washed and then boiled in water. Once the berries have softened, they are pureed and strained to remove the skins and seeds. The resulting liquid is then returned to the heat and sweetened with sugar. Some recipes also call for the addition of lemon juice or cinnamon for added flavor. The soup is then thickened with a starch, such as potato starch or cornstarch, or a flour, such as wheat flour or rice flour.

Serving

Blåbärssoppa can be served either hot or cold, depending on personal preference. It is often served as a dessert, but can also be served as a snack or a light meal. Some people enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is also commonly served at Swedish breakfast buffets.

Cultural Significance

In Sweden, blåbärssoppa is often associated with outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. It is a common item in the food packs of the Swedish military, and is also served to participants in the Vasaloppet, a long-distance cross-country ski race held annually in Sweden.