- **Strawberries** - Fresh strawberries provide the sweet, tangy flavor that forms the base of this chilled soup.
- **Lemon Juice** - Adds a zesty brightness to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
- **Sugar** - Adjusts the natural tartness and enhances the sweetness for a delightful taste.
- **Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half** - Provides richness and creaminess, making the soup smooth and velvety.
- **Water** - Used as a base liquid to dilute the mixture and achieve the desired consistency.
- **Gelatin Sheets (Optional)** - Adds thickness without altering the texture of the soup, ensuring a perfect blend.
- **Ice Cubes or Ice Water** - Chilled ingredients help maintain the cold temperature throughout the preparation process.
- **Salt** - A small amount can enhance the overall flavors and bring out the sweetness of the strawberries.
Use these ingredients to create a refreshing chilled strawberry soup that is perfect for warm weather. Don't forget to include relevant keywords like "chilled soup," "strawberry soup," and "summer dessert" in your recipe description for better search engine optimization (SEO).
Steps
### Chilled Strawberry Soup Recipe
#### Introduction to Chilled Strawberry Soup
Chilled strawberry soup is a delightful dessert that combines fresh strawberries with a hint of creaminess, making it both refreshing and elegant. Perfect for summer gatherings or as an after-dinner treat, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
#### Equipment Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Saucepan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk (for whipping the cream)
#### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chilled Strawberry Soup
**Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries**
- Start by washing and hulling the strawberries. Quarter them, ensuring they are evenly cut.
**Step 2: Simmer the Strawberries with Sugar and Lemon Juice**
- In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
**Step 3: Blend the Soup**
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, ensuring there are no chunks of strawberry left.
**Step 4: Cool the Strawberry Mixture**
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. This step removes any seeds, giving you a smoother consistency.
- Let the soup cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until it reaches room temperature.
**Step 5: Whipping the Cream and Combining Ingredients**
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be gentle to avoid over-whipping.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled strawberry mixture to achieve a light and airy texture.
#### Tips for Perfecting Your Chilled Strawberry Soup
- **Freshness is Key:** Always use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- **Balance Sweetness with Lemon Juice:** A bit of lemon juice balances out the sweetness, making it more refreshing.
- **Texture Matters:** Ensure you strain your soup to achieve a smooth consistency.
#### Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled strawberry soup in tall glasses garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprig of basil. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or as is!
#### Conclusion
Chilled strawberry soup not only looks beautiful on the table but also delivers an exquisite taste experience that will impress your guests. With these simple steps, you can easily create this delightful dessert at home for any occasion.