Puréed Cranberry Soup

Puréed Cranberry Soup Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Puréed Cranberry Soup is a delightful and unique dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of cherry juice and a hint of warm spices. This soup is perfect for the fall and winter months when cranberries are in season and can be enjoyed as a light and refreshing appetizer or a comforting main course.

History

Cranberries have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries, with Native Americans using them for both food and medicine. The tradition of making cranberry soup likely originated in New England, where cranberries are abundant and have long been used in a variety of dishes. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic cranberry soup by adding cherry juice and warm spices for a unique and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed well and stemmed
5 cups organic cherry juice or cran/cherry juice
1 cup granulated sugar or sugar substitute
0.25 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground white pepper
1 tsp almond extract, optional
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
0.5 cup dried cranberries
1.5 cups low-fat sour cream for garnish, optional
10 small mint sprigs, optional

How to prepare

1. Place cranberries in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan. Add juice, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and almond extract (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes.
2. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree. Strain the mixture and return it to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and dried cranberries. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of mint for garnish (if desired).

Variations

Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
Stir in some chopped nuts or seeds for added texture and crunch.
Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar substitute for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the cranberries well and remove any stems before using them in the soup.

- Straining the pureed mixture before returning it to the saucepan will result in a smoother and more refined soup.

- Adjust the sweetness of the soup by adding more or less sugar substitute to suit your taste preferences.

- For a creamier soup, stir in some low-fat sour cream before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Puréed Cranberry Soup as a starter for a holiday meal or as a light lunch with a side salad. Garnish with a dollop of low-fat sour cream and a sprig of mint for a festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the cranberries until they are soft and easily pureed for a smooth soup.

- Straining the mixture before serving will result in a velvety texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh or frozen cherries instead of cherry juice for a different flavor.

- Swap out the almond extract for vanilla or orange extract for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Puréed Cranberry Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving and garnish as desired.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Puréed Cranberry Soup in elegant bowls with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Puréed Cranberry Soup with a crisp green salad or a hearty sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal. Serve with a glass of sparkling water or white wine for a refreshing beverage.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Puréed Cranberry Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Puréed Cranberry Soup contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Puréed Cranberry Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Puréed Cranberry Soup contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Puréed Cranberry Soup contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making this soup a nutritious choice for a healthy diet.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are safe for your dietary needs.

Summary

Puréed Cranberry Soup is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carb dish that is rich in vitamin C and fiber. It is a healthy and delicious option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal.

Summary

Puréed Cranberry Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the fall and winter months. This recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of cherry juice and warm spices for a unique and flavorful soup that is sure to impress. Serve as a starter or a light lunch with a side salad for a festive and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Puréed Cranberry Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, the air was filled with the sweet scent of freshly fallen leaves and the sound of geese flying south for the winter. I had just finished gathering a basketful of ripe cranberries from the bushes near the edge of the forest, when I stumbled upon a weathered and tattered cookbook tucked away in a forgotten corner of my pantry.

As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a scrumptious looking photograph of a vibrant red soup garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The caption read "Puréed Cranberry Soup - a festive treat for the holidays." Intrigued by the unique combination of flavors, I knew I had to try my hand at making this soup.

I had always been passionate about cooking, and over the years I had collected a vast array of recipes from various places and people. Some were passed down from my own mother, while others were discovered during my travels to faraway lands. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, and I took great pleasure in experimenting with new flavors and ingredients in my kitchen.

The recipe for Puréed Cranberry Soup called for a handful of simple ingredients - fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and a hint of cinnamon. It seemed relatively easy to make, yet I knew that the key to creating a truly exceptional dish lies in the subtle balance of flavors and the precise execution of each step.

I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients, humming a tune as I measured out the cranberries and squeezed the juice from the ripe oranges. The kitchen was warm and inviting, filled with the comforting aroma of spices and fruits. I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation as I stirred the ingredients together in a large pot, watching as the cranberries softened and released their vibrant color into the mixture.

As the soup simmered on the stove, I took a moment to reflect on the journey that had led me to this moment. Cooking had always been a source of joy and comfort for me, a way to express my creativity and share my love with those around me. I remembered the countless hours spent in the kitchen with my mother, learning the art of baking and roasting from her gentle guidance. I recalled the exotic flavors and aromas of the dishes I had sampled during my travels, each one leaving a lasting impression on my culinary repertoire.

The soup had reached the perfect consistency, each cranberry bursting with flavor and sweetness. I carefully transferred the mixture to a blender, pureeing it until smooth and velvety. The vibrant red color danced before my eyes, a testament to the natural beauty and goodness of the ingredients.

I ladled the soup into bowls, garnishing each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The aroma wafted through the air, filling the room with a sense of warmth and comfort. I took a hesitant sip, savoring the delicate balance of tartness and sweetness that danced on my tongue.

As I savored each spoonful of Puréed Cranberry Soup, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction wash over me. This recipe had not only delighted my taste buds, but it had also brought back memories of moments shared with loved ones and the joy of discovering new flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my collection, a dish that I would proudly share with friends and family during the upcoming holiday season. And as I sat back in my kitchen, a smile playing on my lips, I marveled at the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. Cooking had always been my passion, my way of expressing love and creativity, and this recipe for Puréed Cranberry Soup had reaffirmed that belief in the most delicious and heartwarming way possible.