Hideg Meggyleves(Cold Sour Cherry Soup)

Cook: 45 min Cuisine: Hungarian

A refreshing cold sour cherry soup with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for summer gatherings and those who enjoy tangy, fruity flavors with a creamy finish.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups cold water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cups pitted sour cherries or drained canned sour cherries
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream chilled
  • 3/4 cup dry red wine chilled

Instructions

  1. In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and cinnamon stick.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Add the sour cherries.
  4. Partially cover and simmer over low heat for 35 to 40 minutes if the cherries are fresh or 10 minutes if canned.
  5. Remove the cinnamon stick.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker soup, mix arrowroot with a small amount of water before adding it to the simmering cherry mixture. If you don't have arrowroot, cornstarch can be a good substitute. You can also adjust the sweetness by using less sugar or adding a splash of lemon juice for balance. Experiment with spices like nutmeg for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this refreshing soup chilled as a delightful starter or dessert. Garnish with a dollop of heavy cream for richness. For a more substantial dish, pair it with Boxty (Potato Pancakes) or a light salad. It also makes a lovely accompaniment to cheese platters or fruit tarts, enhancing the culinary experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to a month; just ensure it's completely cooled before freezing. To serve again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled, as the flavors develop beautifully over time.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hideg Meggyleves(Cold Sour Cherry Soup) contains roughly 1374 calories, with 8g protein, 273g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1374 kcal 69% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.7g 15% DV
Total Fat 29.1g 37% DV
Carbs 272.8g 99% DV
Fiber 17g 61% DV
Sugar 11.7g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 117.3mg 5% DV
Potassium 619.5mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 69.1mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 263.7mcg 29% DV
Vitamin C 66.7mg 74% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 233.7mg 18% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh or canned?

Yes, frozen cherries work well in this recipe. Simply thaw them before adding to the soup, and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may release more juice than fresh cherries.

Can I make this soup non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! You can replace the dry red wine with a mixture of grape juice and a little vinegar for acidity. This will keep the flavor profile balanced while making it suitable for all ages.

How can I make this soup vegan?

To make this soup vegan, simply omit the heavy cream or substitute it with a plant-based cream alternative. Coconut milk would add a lovely richness while keeping the dish dairy-free.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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