Elderberry Soup

Elderberry Soup Recipe from Belgium - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Elderberry soup is a delicious and unique dish that combines the tartness of elderberries with the sweetness of pears and a hint of cinnamon. This soup is perfect for a light and refreshing dessert or a special treat on a hot summer day.

History

Elderberry soup has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Elderberries have long been prized for their medicinal properties and are often used in traditional folk remedies. The combination of elderberries, pears, and cinnamon in a soup is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

2.25 lb (1.02 kg) elderberries
4 cups water
0.5 cinnamon stick
0.5 lemon, zest of
0.67 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
2 pears
2 tsp cornstarch
0.5 cup white wine
0.5 cup whipped cream

How to prepare

Remove the berries from the stems, wash them with cold water, and let them drain.
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add the berries, and let them cook over low heat with a lid on for about 15 minutes.
Press the berries and water through a sieve and return the mixture to the heat.
Add the cinnamon stick, lemon peel, sugar, and salt.
Peel the pears, remove the cores, and cut them into thin slices. Add the pear slices to the berry mixture.
Let the pears cook in the soup for a few minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel.
Mix the cornstarch with the white wine and pour it into the soup to thicken it.
Chill the soup in the refrigerator.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Variations

Add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Substitute honey for sugar for a natural sweetener.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the berries from the stems before cooking to avoid any bitterness.

- Cooking the berries with the water for a longer period of time will help extract more flavor from the berries.

- Thicken the soup with cornstarch mixed with white wine for a smooth and velvety texture.

- Chill the soup in the refrigerator before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve elderberry soup chilled in small bowls with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a beautiful presentation. Pair with a slice of pound cake or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Sieving

- Thickening with cornstarch

Ingredient Substitutions

Blackberries or blueberries can be used as a substitute for elderberries.

- Apples or peaches can be used instead of pears.

- Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used in place of sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

Elderberry soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving and add a fresh dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish elderberry soup with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey for an elegant touch. Serve in decorative bowls with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair elderberry soup with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing and light dessert option. Serve with a side of shortbread cookies or almond biscotti for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover elderberry soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 27g

Fats

- Total Fat: 2g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

Proteins

- Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15mg

- Iron: 1mg

- Potassium: 200mg

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (whipped cream).

Summary

Elderberry soup is a low-fat, low-protein, and high-carbohydrate dish that is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. It is a sweet and refreshing dessert option that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Elderberry soup is a delightful and unique dessert option that combines the tartness of elderberries with the sweetness of pears and a hint of cinnamon. This refreshing soup is perfect for a special occasion or a light and satisfying treat. Enjoy chilled with a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious and elegant dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was a remarkable cook, creating delicious dishes from the simplest ingredients.

One day, she announced that she was going to make Elderberry Soup for dinner. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued. She took me out to the garden, where we picked the ripest elderberries from the bushes. The deep purple color of the berries was mesmerizing, and their sweet fragrance filled the air.

Back in the kitchen, my aunt showed me how to carefully extract the berries from the stems and wash them thoroughly. She then simmered them in a pot with water, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice. As the berries cooked, their rich color turned the liquid a deep shade of purple.

The aroma that wafted from the pot was intoxicating. I watched as my aunt stirred the soup slowly, the berries breaking down and releasing their juices. She added a pinch of cinnamon and a sprinkle of nutmeg, creating a warm and comforting scent that filled the room.

After a few hours of simmering, the soup was ready. My aunt ladled it into bowls, garnishing each serving with a dollop of whipped cream. The first spoonful I tasted was pure magic. The sweet and tangy flavor of the elderberries, combined with the warm spices, was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my aunt to teach me how to make Elderberry Soup, and she graciously agreed. She showed me the steps, explaining the importance of patience and attention to detail. I watched her carefully as she prepared the soup, taking mental notes of every ingredient and technique.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, experimenting with different variations and adjustments. I learned that the key to a truly delicious Elderberry Soup lies in the quality of the berries – they must be ripe and plump, bursting with flavor. I also discovered that a hint of citrus can elevate the dish, adding a refreshing brightness to the deep, rich flavors of the berries.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting in their reactions as they tasted the soup for the first time. Each time I made it, the memories of that day in my aunt's kitchen came flooding back, filling me with a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of simmering elderberries, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Elderberry Soup has become a treasured tradition in my family, passed down from generation to generation. And with each spoonful, I am reminded of the simple joys of cooking, of sharing a meal with loved ones, and of the power of a single recipe to create lasting memories.