Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup

Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup Recipe - Vegetarian Recipe from Norway

Region / culture: Norway | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup is a traditional Scandinavian dish that is both sweet and comforting. This soup is made with a variety of dried fruits, tapioca pearls, and warm spices like cinnamon. It can be enjoyed as a dessert or a light meal, and is perfect for cold winter days.

History

Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup has been a staple in Norwegian cuisine for centuries. It is often served during the holiday season, especially around Christmas time. The combination of dried fruits and warm spices in this soup is reminiscent of the flavors of the season and is a favorite among many Norwegians.

Ingredients

1 qt (946 ml) water
0.5 cup raisins
12 dried pitted prunes
12 dried apricots
0.33 cup dried cherries and/or cranberries
0.25 cup tapioca pearls
2 oranges, peeled and sliced
2 (or more) apples cored and sliced
1 tsp cinnamon
1 pinch salt
sugar to taste.

How to prepare

Put all ingredients into a large pot on the stovetop and cook over medium-low heat for approximately 1 hour until fully cooked. This dish can be enjoyed either warm or cold. It tastes even better with a spoonful of plain yogurt on top when serving.
Alternatively, you can place the ingredients in a slow cooker before going to bed and set it to low heat. By the time you wake up, you'll have a delicious fruit soup (and oatmeal) ready for breakfast. It's perfect for a chilly winter morning!
In a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) water, cook the raisins, prunes, and apricots.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or brandy for a boozy twist.
Top with chopped nuts or granola for added crunch.
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the tapioca pearls until they are fully translucent to ensure they are cooked through.

- Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, depending on the sweetness of the dried fruits used.

- Feel free to add other dried fruits like figs or prunes for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup warm with a dollop of plain yogurt on top for added creaminess. It can also be enjoyed cold as a refreshing dessert.

Cooking Techniques

This soup can be cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for added convenience. Be sure to cook the tapioca pearls until they are fully translucent.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use any combination of dried fruits that you have on hand. You can also substitute the tapioca pearls with pearl barley or rice.

Make Ahead Tips

Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 120 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 30g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0.5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in Vitamin C from the oranges and apples, as well as Vitamin A from the apricots.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup is a low-fat, low-protein, and high-carbohydrate dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the winter season. With its warm spices and sweet dried fruits, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it warm or cold, and feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits and spices.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a picture of a steaming bowl of Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup caught my eye. The vibrant colors of the fruit and the warm spices made my mouth water, and I knew I had to try making it.

I had never heard of Norwegian Fruit Soup before, but the ingredients were simple and the instructions clear. I gathered apples, prunes, raisins, cinnamon, and sugar, and set to work peeling and chopping the fruit. The scent of cinnamon filled the air as the fruit simmered on the stove, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the soup was ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took my first spoonful. The sweet and spicy flavors danced on my tongue, warming me from the inside out. I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

As I sat down to enjoy my soup, memories flooded back to me of the other recipes I had learned over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends and neighbors, and still others from my own experimentation in the kitchen. Each recipe had its own story, its own special place in my heart.

I remembered the first time I had made my grandmother's famous meatballs, the secret ingredient of nutmeg giving them a unique and unforgettable flavor. I remembered the time a friend had taught me how to make homemade pasta from scratch, the dough sticky and elastic under my hands. I remembered the countless hours I had spent perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe, the balance of sweet and salty just right.

And now, here I was, adding Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup to my repertoire. This recipe would become a favorite in my household, a warm and comforting dish to enjoy on cold winter nights. I couldn't wait to pass it on to my own grandchildren, just as my grandmother had passed down her recipes to me.

In the years that followed, I would make Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup again and again, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my taste. Sometimes I would add a splash of orange juice for brightness, or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra warmth. Each bowl was a reminder of the joy that cooking brought me, the connection to my past and the promise of delicious meals yet to come.

And so, as I sit here now, writing down the recipe for Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes that have come before it. Each one has taught me something new, whether it be a technique or a flavor combination or a memory to cherish. Cooking has brought me joy and comfort, and I know it will continue to do so for years to come.

So here it is, my recipe for Hot Norwegian Fruit Soup, a dish that holds a special place in my heart. May it bring you as much warmth and joy as it has brought me. Enjoy!