| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 12g | 7g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 2g | 2g | 0.02g |
I am delighted to introduce you my latest creation, the Scandinavian Juniper Berry Soup. Now, I know what you might be thinking, “Jake, Nebraska is miles away from Scandinavia, how did you stumble upon this delightful recipe?” And trust me, it’s an exciting tale that combines my love for unique, heartland staples with an adventurous spirit eager to explore global cuisines. This soup, my friends, is more than an exotic dish. It offers a warm, comforting hug like the ones grandmas seem to have patented, and that’s why I fell in love with it.
A Cultural and Tasteful Adventure
Scandinavian Juniper Berry Soup, while unparalleled in its unique blend of flavors, is somewhat similar to the berry preserves often served alongside traditional Midwest dishes. But unlike our local style, this Scandinavian recipe offers a balance between the heart-warming familiarity of the berries, and the delicate, exotic notes brought by the juniper.
The juniper berries lend a bittersweet, pine-like flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of mixed berries and strawberries, making this soup a delightful dare for those taste buds seeking something out of their everyday routine. As a true gourmet enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for traditions that can be reshaped, rediscovered or, why not, reinvented.
More than just a Soup – A Healthy Treat
What sweetens the joy of creating the Scandinavian Juniper Berry Soup is how healthy this recipe can be. Berry fruits are acclaimed for their antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in our body. The incorporation of juniper berries in the recipe, often used in traditional medicine, add a refreshing hint of pine, peppery, and citrus notes. And the lemon, a high source of vitamin C, levels up the health benefit of this delicious soup while adding a pleasant tang to the sweet berry concoction.
Pairings that Please
This rich and vibrant berry soup, served chilled, pairs well with a variety of dishes. It would be an excellent companion to a hearty grilled cheese sandwich or a light summer salad for a quick lunch. Or, if you’d like to turn this into a star cuisine event, I recommend serving it alongside a warm, herbed flatbread, allowing the soup to coat the bread and seal the flavors inside.
From my heartland kitchen to yours, the Scandinavian Juniper Berry Soup brings together the allure of an international dish, made with the comfort and ingredients of home. It’s a journey for your tastebuds and a joy for your body, that I am thrilled to have shared with you. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 1 Cup Juniper Berries
- 6 Cups Water
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 4 Whole Cloves
- 1 Lemon (Zested and Juiced)
- 2 Cups Mixed Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries)
- 1 Cup Sliced Strawberries
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1/4 Cup Cold Water
- 1 Cup Whipping Cream
Method
Step One
Start by placing the juniper berries in a large Dutch oven or pot. Add the 6 cups of water to the pot and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step Two
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, until the berries have softened and the water has taken on a deep purple hue. This will be the base of your soup.
Step Three
After the berries have simmered, add in the sugar, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Four
Zest and juice the lemon, adding both directly into the pot. Allow this mixture to simmer for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step Five
Add the mixed berries and sliced strawberries to the pot. Let the soup return to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.
Step Six
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
Step Seven
Finally, stir in the whipping cream and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes. After this, your Scandinavian Juniper Berry Soup is ready to serve. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of this traditional Nordic dish!
