| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 312 | 0.8g | 0.2g | 78g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 66g | 4.6g | 3.2g | 0.01g |
Bursting with fruity flavor and packed with nutrients, the recipe I’m eager to share with you today is none other than Alexanders Soup. It’s a dynamite combination of sweet fruits and sharp, fresh garnishes that results in an invigorating and delicious soup unlike any other. As a Nebraskan, my culinary passion lies in preparing hearty, farm-fresh recipes, and while “fruit soup” may not immediately leap out as typical Midwest fare, it carries with it the essence of homegrown goodness that just fills me with nostalgia.
A Global Dish with Local Roots
Now, you might be wondering how a fruit-based recipe like Alexanders Soup found its place amongst my traditional corn casseroles and beef stews. The secret lies in how it encapsulates both the local and the global. The fruits called for in this recipe can all be found fresh at our local farmers’ markets, while the incorporation of warmer climate fruits like mango and papaya tips its hat to international influence.
This dish reminds me of Scandinavian-style fruit soups, with its sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile. And while it’s marvelous on its own, it pairs remarkably well with grilled chicken dishes.
Health Benefits of Alexanders Soup
Aside from its delectable taste, this Alexanders Soup recipe is a veritable treasure trove of health benefits. The copious amounts of fresh fruits used in the recipe make it rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. Mangoes, in particular, are well-known for their immune-boosting qualities. Papaya is hailed as a superfruit for its rich vitamin C content and digestive benefits. And let’s not overlook the orange and lemon juices, both power-packed sources of vitamin C, while banana and pineapple bring wonderful texture and an extra dosage of essential nutrients.
Incorporating a dollop of Greek yogurt not only adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet fruit, but also contributes protein and probiotics for gut health. Furthermore, the use of ginger and fresh mint leaves makes every spoonful of Alexanders Soup a refreshing experience, besides rendering it more digestible.
Whether enjoyed as a starter, dessert, or a rejuvenating snack on a hot day, Alexanders Soup never fails to bring a smile to my face, with its unique flavor and the delightful memories of Nebraska it evokes. I hope it brings you the same joy and reminds you to savor the farm-to-table freshness that makes any meal truly comforting.
What You’ll Need
- 5 cups of water
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1 medium ripe mango, peeled and pitted
- 1 medium ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled and chopped
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored and chopped
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup of diced strawberries
- 1/3 cup of fresh mint leaves for garnish
- 6 dollops of Greek yogurt for serving
Method
Step One
Start by pouring 5 cups of water into a large saucepan and add in 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar. Place the pan over a medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once done, remove from the heat and let it cool.
Step Two
While waiting for the syrup to cool, proceed to prepare your fruits. For the mango, papaya, bananas, and pineapple, make sure they are peeled and properly chopped. For the mango, remove the pit. For the papaya, also ensure it is seeded.
Step Three
Add the chopped fruits into a blender. Blend until the fruits are pureed. Depending on the size of your blender, you might need to do this in batches.
Step Four
After pureeing the fruits, pour them into a large bowl. Add into this bowl, 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, the juice of a large lemon, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir everything together and set aside.
Step Five
Once your syrup has cooled, gradually add it into the fruit mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is well combined. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Step Six
After chilling, whisk the fruit mixture together again for a few seconds. Stir in 1 cup of diced strawberries, saving a few for garnish. Portion the soup into individual bowls.
Step Seven
To serve, place a dollop of Greek yogurt on top of each bowl of soup. Garnish with the saved diced strawberries and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy your refreshing Alexanders Soup!
