| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 3g | 0.5g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 4g | 2g | 0.2g |
There’s a reason they call Louisiana ‘the melting pot of the south’. It’s not just for the blend of cultures and lively Zydeco music, but also for the diverse and traditionally rich cuisine. As a Louisiana native, I hold a soft spot in my heart for all things delicious, but my French lineage pulls me towards the sophisticated and refined, hence, my affection towards this delectable classic, Royal Fern Soup.
Unleashing the Soul of the South on your Taste Buds
Royal Fern Soup is a tasteful fusion of the rustic charm of southern cooking and an elevated French flair. Think of it as a warm embrace from your grandmother, ennobled with a French twist. Preparing it involves combining plentiful fresh vegetables along with a hint of sweet essence from mixed berries, apple, and pear. It’s that perfect blend of Creole richness and French elegance I’ve grown up cherishing and cultivating in my own personal kitchen.
As much as I venerate my Beignets and Éclairs, I’ve always admired how a mere bowl of soup can represent an entire culture and its geographical distinctions. Similar to a traditional French Soupe au Pistou or your everyday classic Creole Gumbo, the Royal Fern Soup reaches depths of flavor that are truly unmatched.
The Health Kick from the Bayou
Beyond fulfilling your cravings, it also comes with a plethora of health benefits. The royal ferns present in the soup are known for their high antioxidant content, serving as a great aid for a healthy heart and good digestion. Their unique taste, coupled with staples like onions and the exquisite touch from the honey and relaxing lemon juice, the soup truly becomes a gourmet dish that’s just as nourishing as it is appetizing.
Now, picture this. Serving this soup for dinner with a side of whole grain baguettes or a southern-style shrimp po’ boy would be a heavenly delight. You could even follow it up with a classic dessert like Beignets, or better yet, éclairs for the ultimate French-inspired gastronomic journey.
Each sip of Royal Fern Soup allows you to delve into the heart of Louisiana while enjoying an echo of elegant French sophistication on your palette. This balance of rustic authenticity and chic refinement in food, and undeniably in my life, is what I love the most about this recipe.
So here’s to many hearty meals, rich in tradition, flavor, and growth. And to the Royal Fern Soup, a true flag bearer of Creole sophistication and enigmatic French elegance.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of water
- 1 cup chopped Royal ferns
- 1/2 cup chopped Onions
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 cup fresh mixed berries
- 1/2 cup chopped Apple
- 1/2 cup chopped Pear
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your ingredients. This involves chopping your royal ferns, onions, apple, and pear. Then, mix your cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until well combined.
Step Two
Heat up the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant. This will take about 4-5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the chopped royal ferns to the pot. Stir them in with the onions and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
Step Four
Next, pour the 6 cups of water into the pot. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to the boil.
Step Five
Once your soup is boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Step Six
Add your chopped apple and pear to the pot, followed by the fresh mixed berries. Stir everything together and let the soup continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
Step Seven
After 10 minutes, add the lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to the soup. Stir well to combine.
Step Eight
Finally, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. This will help to thicken the soup slightly. Let the soup simmer for a further 5 minutes, and then it’s ready to serve!
Step Nine
Pour your Royal Fern Soup into bowls and enjoy it while it’s hot. This soup makes a delicious and unusual starter, or it can be eaten as a light main course.
