Strawberry soup

Strawberry Soup: A Refreshing Delight for Romantic Evenings

Strawberry season is the perfect time to bring a touch of freshness and sweetness to our plates. Strawberry soup is a simple yet sophisticated recipe that combines the natural flavors of the fruit with a mix of fresh herbs and a splash of wine. It's ideal for a romantic evening, but also for a refreshing dessert in the summer. Let's discover together each step of this delightful recipe!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 700 g of ripe, juicy, and aromatic strawberries
- 200 ml of good quality wine (preferably dessert wine, sweet)
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- 5 crushed peppercorns
- A pinch of nutmeg (very little)
- 1/2 vanilla pod, split lengthwise
- 10 g of powdered sugar

Preparing the strawberries:
The first step is to choose the perfect strawberries. Select well-ripened fruit with a deep red color and an unmistakable fragrance. The strawberries should be juicy and blemish-free. After selecting the best strawberries, wash them in cold water and remove the leaves and the hard part at the base. If the strawberries are large, cut them into quarters or smaller pieces for better integration into the soup.

Making the syrup:
In a saucepan, add the good quality wine, mint and basil leaves, crushed peppercorns, nutmeg, and powdered sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. When the mixture begins to boil, turn off the heat and let it cool in the pot. This will become the flavorful base of your strawberry soup.

Adding the strawberries:
Once the syrup has cooled, add the prepared strawberries to the pot. Make sure the fruit is completely covered by the syrup. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for about 3 hours. This waiting time allows the flavors to combine and the strawberries to absorb the sweetness of the syrup.

Serving:
When you're ready to serve the strawberry soup, remove the vanilla pod from the mixture. Pour the soup into deep plates or bowls, so you can appreciate the beauty of the strawberries floating in the sweet syrup. If you want to add a touch of consistency, serve the soup alongside a slice of moist cake or a light pastry. Don't forget to garnish the plate with a cigarette-style biscuit for an elegant look and a crunchy contrast!

Useful tips:
- If you don't have dessert wine on hand, you can use a sweet white wine, but make sure it's of good quality.
- Replace mint and basil with other aromatic herbs, such as lavender or lemon balm, to create a soup with different flavors.
- Strawberry soup pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Eating strawberries can help improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and enhance digestion. Wine, consumed in moderation, can provide heart benefits, but it's important to consider the amount of alcohol.

History of strawberry soup:
This simple and elegant recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, serving as an excellent way to use fresh fruits, especially during strawberry season. Strawberry soup has evolved over time, becoming a sophisticated yet accessible dessert, suitable for any special occasion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
- While it's recommended to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, frozen strawberries can be a good alternative out of season. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the soup.

2. What other fruits can I add?
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, or peaches. These will add a touch of diversity and an interesting taste to your soup.

3. How can I make the soup less sweet?
- If you prefer a less sweet soup, you can reduce the amount of sugar or add lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.

Add this strawberry soup recipe to your culinary repertoire and enjoy a dessert that brings not only flavor but also unforgettable moments with loved ones! Whether you serve it on a romantic evening or at a gathering with friends, this soup will surely be a hit!