Refresh Your Taste Buds with Cool Strawberry Soup

I was looking for a refreshing recipe this week. After temperature highs in the 106 degree range, I think anyone else would have the same idea too. Then I stumbled upon the idea to make a Polish soup that was traditionally used for quenching the thirst of working farmers: Zupa Truskawkowy (try saying THAT 5x fast). This soup is slightly creamy, very mild, made with strawberries, and is served cold.

Before you dismiss this fruit soup...give it a chance. I know fruit soups aren’t the most popular thing (especially around Tennessee) but I assure you that after you sip on some cold Strawberry Soup, you’ll feel a lot different about it.

Strawberry Soup

• 3 cups sliced strawberries
• 6 cups water
• Stock pot
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ vanilla bean
• Immersion blender, like my Waring SB10 immersion blender
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons corn starch
• 3-5 tablespoons honey (or to taste)
• Optional: sliced strawberries & whipped cream for garnish

1. Add strawberries, water, vanilla bean, and cinnamon to a stock pot
2. Bring to a boil
3. Drop the heat to a simmer for about 7 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft
4. Take the stock pot off of the heat
5. Discard vanilla bean
6. Use an immersion blender to purée the strawberry mixture
7. Add the heavy cream to a small bowl
8. Add a couple spoonfuls of the hot strawberry mixture to the cream, stirring continuously
9. Whisk the cornstarch into the cream mixture
10. Whisk the cream/cornstarch mixture into the strawberry purée
11. Mix in the honey to taste
12. Add the stock pot back to the heat
13. Barely bring to a boil
14. Lower the heat to a simmer, stirring continuously for 2-4 minutes
15. Let cool & refrigerate overnight
16. Optional: top with whipped cream and sliced strawberries
17. Enjoy!

This recipe is like a breath of fresh air compared to your traditional hot soup. It’s creamy, very fresh, and only mildly sweet. Try it as an appetizer in place of a salad or as a light dessert.

Keep cool, stay out of the heat, and keep hydrated!