Sour cherry soup

Sour Cherry Soup

A bowl of sour cherry soup garnished with cream.

Sour cherry soup is a traditional dish in several Central and Eastern European cuisines, particularly Hungarian. It is a sweet soup made with sour cherries, sugar, and often a hint of cinnamon or cloves. This dish is typically served cold, making it a refreshing choice for hot summer days.

Ingredients

The primary ingredient in sour cherry soup is the sour cherry, known for its tart flavor. Other common ingredients include:

• Water
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Lemon juice
• Sour cream or yogurt for garnish

Preparation

The preparation of sour cherry soup involves several steps:

1. Cooking the Cherries: The sour cherries are pitted and cooked in water with sugar until they are soft. 2. Flavoring: Spices such as cinnamon and cloves are added to enhance the flavor. 3. Thickening: Some recipes call for a thickening agent like cornstarch to give the soup a smooth texture. 4. Chilling: The soup is then chilled in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. 5. Serving: It is typically served cold, often with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

Cultural Significance

Sour cherry soup is a staple in Hungarian cuisine, where it is known as "meggyleves." It is often served as a first course during summer meals. The soup's sweet and tangy flavor profile is a hallmark of Hungarian culinary traditions, which frequently balance sweet and savory elements.

Variations

While the basic recipe remains consistent, there are several regional variations of sour cherry soup:

• With Wine: Some versions include a splash of red or white wine for added depth of flavor.
• With Almonds: Sliced almonds may be added for texture and a nutty flavor.
• With Cream: A richer version may include heavy cream instead of sour cream.

Related Pages

• Hungarian cuisine
• Fruit soup
• Chilled soup