| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 0.5g | 0.1g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 48g | 3.5g | 1.5g | 0.01g |
There’s an inexplicable joy that fills my heart whenever I prepare the Mountain Pepper Berry Soup—a delightful concoction that is a fantastic unification of nature, health, and sweet, tangy flavors. As a native of Portland, Maine, I have a deep attachment to traditional New England seafood. However, my culinary explorations have led me to discover more distinctive, unique recipes, and the Mountain Pepper Berry Soup is one of my favorites among them.
A Symphony of Flavors and Nutrition
The highlight of this delightful soup is the mountain pepper berry, a unique fruit that imparts a spicy, tangy bite. Native to Tasmania, it lends an earthy twist to the soup, beautifully balanced by the sweetness of assorted fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches.
It’s not just a treat for the tastebuds, though; the health benefits of mountain pepper berries have been celebrated for centuries. They are an excellent source of antioxidants and are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, making this soup not just a sweet indulgence, but also a boon for your health.
A Soup Par Excellence
Serving this Mountain Pepper Berry Soup on a chilly evening is an experience in itself—an extraordinary blend of warm, comforting feelings with cool, refreshingly sweet savors setting off a delightful culinary fireworks display.
While it’s a standalone marvel, you don’t have to limit your possibilities. Imagine sipping on this soup alongside a buttery, creamy plate of Maine lobster or dipping a piece of crisp, buttery baguette into the fruity broth, the fruity, zesty flavors enhancing the sumptuous seafood or the bread’s hearty, crunchy texture.
Culinary creativity truly knows no bounds, and this Mountain Pepper Berry Soup recipe is a testament to it. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones to explore uncharted flavors might just lead us to discover dishes that are profoundly pleasing, powerfully poignant, and perpetually memorable.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of freshly picked mountain pepper berries
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 2 cups of mixed fresh fruits (like strawberries, blueberries, peaches)
- Mint leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by rinsing the freshly picked mountain pepper berries under running water. Ensure they are clean and set them aside.
Step Two
In a large pot, add the 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
Step Three
Add the cleaned mountain pepper berries to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 – 20 minutes or until the berries are soft and have released their flavor.
Step Four
While the mixture is simmering, take a separate bowl, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of orange juice. Mix thoroughly until the cornstarch has fully dissolved.
Step Five
Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering pot, continually stirring to avoid lumps. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the soup thickens.
Step Six
Remove the soup from the heat and add the 2 cups of fresh mixed fruits. Stir the soup gently until the fruit is evenly distributed.
Step Seven
Allow the soup to cool, then chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. Once ready to serve, garnish each bowl with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
