- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed, 1 tablespoon per cup of water)
- Cream or heavy cream (optional for a richer texture)
- Ice cubes (for chilling the soup)
- Vanilla extract (a pinch, optional but adds flavor depth)
- Salt (a pinch, to balance sweetness)
**Chilled Strawberry Soup Ingredients:**
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Cream
- Ice cubes
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
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- Ice cubes
- Vanilla extract
- Balanced sweetness
Steps
### Chilled Strawberry Soup Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Treat
#### Introduction
Chilled Strawberry Soup is a delightful and refreshing dessert that's perfect for hot summer days. This soup features sweet strawberries, a touch of creaminess from yogurt or whipped cream, and a hint of mint to cool down the palate. Here’s how you can make this elegant yet simple dish at home.
#### Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- A few sprigs of fresh mint
- Water, as needed
- Ice cubes, optional
#### Equipment Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Medium-sized pot
- Fine mesh strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Serving bowls
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Strawberries**
- Rinse the strawberries thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry.
- Remove the stems and slice the strawberries into quarters.
2. **Cooking the Soup Base**
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the strawberry pieces with 2 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to simmer for about 10 minutes, until the strawberries have softened and released their juices.
3. **Strain and Blend**
- Carefully strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pot or bowl, discarding any seeds.
- Let it cool slightly, then blend the mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding some of the reserved liquid if needed.
4. **Add Cream and Sugar**
- Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in 2 cups of heavy cream (or half-and-half) and 4 tablespoons of sugar.
- Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, but do not boil. The mixture should be warm enough to melt the sugar completely.
5. **Chill the Soup**
- Remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight until well-chilled.
- Optionally, you can add a few ice cubes just before serving for an extra cooling effect.
6. **Serve with Mint Sprigs**
- Ladle the chilled soup into bowls and garnish with fresh mint sprigs and perhaps a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
#### Tips for Success
- Use ripe but not overly mushy strawberries to ensure the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste by adding more or less sugar.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy this refreshing chilled strawberry soup as an elegant summer dessert or a light and healthy snack. It's perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or just cooling down on a hot day. Experiment with different garnishes like lemon zest or basil leaves to add more depth to the dish.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a beautifully chilled and delicious strawberry soup that will be the highlight of any summer gathering or personal indulgence.