Refreshing Cold Cherry Soup (Hungarian Meggyleves)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Cold Cherry Soup (Hungarian Meggyleves) is a delightful summer dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. This unique and refreshing soup is perfect for hot days and showcases the sweetness of cherries in a way that will surprise and delight your taste buds. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to explore cold soups and specialty soups that stand out from the usual fare.

Imagine serving a bowl of this vibrant red soup at your next gathering – it’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly tasty. The balance of sweet cherries with a hint of tartness makes it a refreshing choice. Add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, and you’ve got a dish that everyone will remember.

A Unique Cold Soup Experience

A bowl of Cold Cherry Soup garnished with sour cream and mint leaves, placed on a rustic wooden table.

This Cold Cherry Soup is a sweet, slightly tart dish made with ripe cherries, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice. It’s chilled to perfection, making it a great refreshing starter or dessert, especially during the warm summer months.

Ingredients

4 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups buttermilk or yogurt
Sour cream for serving (optional)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Blend the Cherries: In a blender, combine the pitted cherries and water. Blend until smooth.
Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove the solids. Press down to extract as much juice as possible.
Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in the sugar and lemon juice into the cherry juice until dissolved and adjusted to your taste.
Add Creaminess: Mix in the buttermilk or yogurt to the cherry juice until well combined.
Chill: Refrigerate the soup for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled.
Serve: Ladle the cold soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh mint leaves if desired.