Strawberry Champagne Soup – A Sensational Summer Delight
Welcome to my kitchen, where I am excited to share with you this delicious recipe for Strawberry Champagne Soup! This soup is a perfect summer treat, especially for those hot days when you crave something refreshing and light.
I discovered this recipe while experimenting in the kitchen, and it quickly became a favorite amongst my friends and family. I decided to share this recipe with the world, and I am confident that you will love it just as much as we do.
This Strawberry Champagne Soup recipe is incredibly easy to make; all you need are a few simple ingredients and a blender. And let me tell you, the presentation is just gorgeous! The beautiful shade of pink from the strawberries mixed with the bubbly champagne will make your taste buds dance with joy.
So, whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer recipe or just want a refreshing fruit soup for dessert, this Strawberry Champagne Soup is definitely the right choice. Get ready to impress your guests or enjoy it solo- either way, it’s sure to be an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry champagne soup! This recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and bubbly, and I guarantee this will be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner party. There are so many reasons why you’ll love this recipe. Allow me to elaborate.
First off, it’s incredibly refreshing. Nothing beats a cold fruit soup on a hot summer day, and this one is no exception. The chilled strawberry champagne soup is light and hydrating, making it an excellent appetizer for any outdoor gathering.
Secondly, this soup is incredibly versatile. It can be served as an appetizer or dessert, depending on how you choose to prepare it. With just a few substitutions and variations, such as using frozen strawberries or adding pistachios as a garnish, you can create an entirely different taste profile.
Thirdly, the ingredients used in this soup are fresh and nutritious. The recipe calls for water, lemon juice, orange juice, green peppercorns, honey, cinnamon stick, sugar, kosher salt, strawberries, and champagne or sparkling wine. Noticeably absent from the ingredient list are artificial flavors or preservatives. Each spoonful of strawberry champagne soup is bursting with flavor and wholesome goodness.
Lastly, making this soup is incredibly easy. In just a few simple steps (as indicated in the “recipe how-to” section), anyone can whip up this delightful concoction in under an hour.
In summary, you’ll love this recipe because it’s refreshing, versatile, nutritious, and easy to make. Don’t just take my word for it – give it a try today!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to gather to make this decadent strawberry champagne soup:
- 5 cups quartered strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons green peppercorns
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup champagne or sparkling wine
- Mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
Don’t worry if some of the ingredients seem out of the ordinary. They all play a part in creating the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Be sure to select the best quality fruit and champagne for optimal taste.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve gone through the ingredient list, let’s dive into the steps to make this strawberry champagne soup.
Step 1: Boil the Strawberries
– Combine 5 cups of quartered strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large saucepan.
– Let it boil over medium-high heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Add Champagne and Cornstarch Mixture
– Add 1 cup of Champagne to the boiling strawberries.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of honey until well combined.
– Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan while constantly stirring.
– Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the soup thickens.
Step 3: Transfer and Chill
– Using a slotted spoon, remove the strawberries from the soup and transfer them into a separate bowl.
– Keep stirring the soup to prevent a skin from forming on top until it cools down to room temperature.
– Once cooled, transfer the soup into a blender with an additional 1/2 cup of hulled strawberries, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a small handful of fresh mint leaves.
– Blend until smooth.
– For best results, chill in the fridge overnight before serving.
Wow! Doesn’t that sound exciting? This recipe provides two variations that you can enjoy cold or hot. Whether you prefer your strawberry champagne soup served with some chilled pistachios by the side or with some freshly baked bread slices, this recipe is sure to delight even the pickiest eaters.
Substitutions and Variations
There are various ways to make this champagne soup recipe flexible and adaptable to your preferences. Here are some possible substitutions and variations:
– Strawberries: Not a fan of strawberries? Try other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries instead. You can also do a mix of berries for a more complex flavor.
– Lemon juice: If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use lime juice, orange juice, or even grapefruit juice for a different twist.
– Honey: While honey is used as a natural sweetener for this recipe, you can also use agave syrup, maple syrup, or molasses if you prefer.
– Green peppercorns: These may not be easy to find in some grocery stores, but you can substitute them with regular black peppercorns or skip them altogether.
– Cinnamon stick: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon or want to try a different spice, you can use cardamom pods, clove buds, or star anise instead of cinnamon.
– Champagne: If you don’t have champagne on hand or want to save some money, you can use other sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Cava. Just make sure it’s dry and not too sweet.
– Mint leaves: While the mint leaves give this soup a refreshing herbal note, you can omit them if you don’t like mint. Alternatively, you can try other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
– Sugar: If you’re watching your sugar intake or prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
– Gazpacho variation: If you want to turn this soup into a gazpacho-style appetizer, blend all the ingredients (except the champagne) in a food processor until smooth. Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with chopped pistachios and mint leaves for extra texture and color.
These are just some of the possible substitutions and variations for this delicious soup recipe. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Strawberry Champagne Soup has been chilled, it’s time to serve up this refreshing and delicious soup. The soup should be served cold, so be sure to keep it chilled until ready to serve.
For a stunning presentation, garnish the soup with fresh mint leaves and a few green peppercorns. These flavors will add an herbaceous and slightly spicy note that pairs beautifully with the acidity of the soup.
As for pairing, this soup is best enjoyed as a light and refreshing dessert on its own. However, if you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, try pairing it with some delicate cookies or shortbread.
If you’re serving this soup as part of a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with creamy desserts or sweet breakfast foods like pancakes or waffles. The strawberry flavor will complement nicely with cream cheese, sour cream, or whipped cream in cheesecakes or cakes.
When it comes to wine pairing, a sparkling wine such as champagne is the perfect choice to pair with this Strawberry Champagne Soup recipe. A rosé champagne will add an element of fruitiness that enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries while balancing out the acidity of the soup.
In conclusion, the combination of chilled soup and champagne is an exquisite mix that will make your taste buds dance in appreciation!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this chilled Strawberry Champagne Soup recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. This makes it perfect for entertaining or for busy weeknight dinners.
To make ahead, simply prepare the soup as directed, then transfer it to a covered container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve it, give it a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
If you have leftovers, they can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavor may change slightly over time, but it’ll still be delicious.
To reheat the soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Be careful not to boil it, as this could cause the champagne to lose its effervescence.
If you’d prefer to enjoy this soup hot, simply skip the chilling step and serve it warm. It’s equally delicious both ways!
Overall, this Strawberry Champagne Soup recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make ahead or store for later. Whether served hot or cold, it’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings with its delicate balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips to make sure that your Strawberry Champagne Soup comes out perfect every time:
1. Use fresh, ripe strawberries: Fresh is always best when it comes to fruit, and strawberries are no exception. Look for bright red, plump berries that are sweet and fragrant.
2. Chill the champagne: Make sure to chill the champagne before adding it to the soup. This will prevent the soup from becoming too warm and losing its effervescence.
3. Use green peppercorns: Green peppercorns add a unique savory flavor and gentle heat to the soup. You can find them in most specialty gourmet stores.
4. Don’t skimp on the honey: Honey helps balance out the tartness of the strawberries and champagne. Be sure to use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
5. Use cornstarch sparingly: Cornstarch is used to thicken the soup, but too much can make it gloopy and unpleasantly textured. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
6. Let the soup cool to room temperature before chilling it: Allowing the soup to cool at room temperature before refrigerating will help prevent separation.
7. Garnish with mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves added to each bowl of soup provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries and champagne.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to make a delicious Strawberry Champagne Soup that will impress your guests at any party or special occasion!
FAQ
Now, let’s jump into some frequently asked questions about this delicious Strawberry Champagne Soup recipe before you head to the kitchen to try it out for yourself.
What kind of champagne goes best with strawberries?
When it comes to pairing wine with berries, traditional wisdom points towards Champagne. To ensure that the flavors complement each other well, it is recommended to opt for the “demi-sec” variety of Champagne, which is sweeter in comparison to the more popular “brut” option known for its dryness.
Why put a strawberry in champagne?
Adding strawberries to champagne not only enhances its aesthetic but also provides a delightful sweetness that perfectly balances with the dryness of the bubbly beverage.
Why put strawberries in Prosecco?
When it comes to romantic pairings, Prosecco is undoubtedly the top aphrodisiac wine, especially when accompanied by a juicy strawberry. However, the world of culinary possibilities doesn’t stop there as there is a plethora of recipes available for this bubbly beverage. To add some excitement to your pre-dinner drinks, I suggest trying a bittersweet Smoothie blended with Pinot Grigio and strawberries. It’s a perfect alternative to classic cocktails and sure to impress your guests.
Bottom Line
I hope you enjoyed my recipe for the Strawberry Champagne Soup. This is one of my all-time favorite soup recipes, and I highly recommend you try it out. The combination of strawberries and champagne makes this soup perfect for a romantic date night or a fancy dinner party with friends.
I love serving this soup as an appetizer because it’s light and refreshing, but also sweet and luxurious. It’s a perfect way to start your meal and it pairs well with many dishes, from salad to roasted meat.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this soup recipe by using frozen or fresh strawberries, adding a few green peppercorns for extra flavor or adding some orange juice instead of lemon juice.
In conclusion, the Strawberry Champagne Soup is a must-try recipe that deserves a spot in your recipe book. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any special occasion or event. So go ahead and impress your guests with this stunning cold soup recipe. Cheers!
Strawberry Champagne Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces champagne
- 2 pints strawberries, washed,cleaned of stems,and halved
- 4 ounces water
- 8 ounces orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 green peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring water, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, salt, honey and green peppercorns to a simmer.
- Let stand for one hour.
- Strain mixture through a fine-meshed strainer and pour over the strawberries.
- Put the strawberries in a blender.
- Puree until mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice and champagne.
- Serve chilled.