Chilled Strawberry Mint Delight
This Chilled Strawberry Mint Delight is a refreshing Swedish specialty that captures the essence of summer. Rooted in tradition, it highlights the delicate sweetness of strawberries, especially during their peak season in June. Inspired by the culinary perspective of Marcus Samuelsson, this recipe can be adapted with cultivated strawberries or a mix of berries for a unique twist. Elevated with the fragrant notes of fresh ginger, lemongrass, and mint, this delightful soup is perfect as a light dessert or a refreshing appetizer. Enjoy it chilled, complemented by fresh diced strawberries, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. This versatile dish can also be transformed into a sparkling summer cocktail or a non-alcoholic refreshment, making it suitable for any occasion.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
strawberries
3 pints (washed and hulled)
water
6 cups
orange juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed (from about 4 oranges))
fresh ginger
6 inches (peeled and thinly sliced)
lemongrass
4-5 stalks (tough outer leaves removed, tender inner stalks lightly smashed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
fresh mint
2 cups (coarsely chopped)
sugar
1 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by setting aside 1/2 pint of the strawberries, which you'll use later for garnishing.
2
Thinly slice the remaining strawberries and place them in a large saucepan.
3
Add the water, freshly squeezed orange juice, sliced ginger, smashed lemongrass, coarsely chopped mint, and sugar to the saucepan.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for five minutes.
6
Remove from heat and allow to steep for one hour, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
7
After the steeping period, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl, using a spoon to mash the strawberries and extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solid remnants.
8
Cover the strained liquid—this will be your chilled strawberry soup—and refrigerate it for at least two hours until thoroughly chilled.
9
While the soup is chilling, dice the reserved 1/2 pint of strawberries into 1/4-inch pieces, place them in a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate.
10
When ready to serve, place a small mound of the diced strawberries in the center of each shallow soup plate or bowl.
11
Carefully pour the chilled strawberry soup around the mound of berries and serve immediately.
12
For an extra treat, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream atop the strawberries.
13
Alternatively, mix a 1/2 cup of the soup with a 1/2 cup of champagne for a delightful summer cocktail, or use sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Strawberry Mint Delight?
Chilled Strawberry Mint Delight is a refreshing Swedish specialty strawberry soup that captures the essence of summer.
Where does this recipe originate?
This recipe is a Swedish specialty rooted in culinary tradition.
Who inspired this version of the recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary perspective of chef Marcus Samuelsson.
When is the best time of year to make this dish?
The dish is best during the peak strawberry season, particularly during June.
Can I use different types of berries for this soup?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe with cultivated strawberries or a mix of various berries for a unique flavor.
What are the primary aromatic ingredients in this soup?
The soup is elevated with fresh ginger, lemongrass, and fresh mint.
How many strawberries do I need in total?
The recipe requires 3 pints of strawberries.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
How should the strawberries be prepared?
Strawberries should be washed and hulled, with most thinly sliced and a small portion reserved for dicing.
Why should I set aside 1/2 pint of strawberries?
The reserved strawberries are used later for dicing and garnishing each individual serving.
How long should the strawberry mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for five minutes after reaching a boil.
What is the recommended steeping time?
After removing from heat, the mixture should steep for one hour to let the flavors meld.
How do I properly strain the soup?
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, using a spoon to mash the berries and extract as much liquid as possible.
How long does the soup need to be refrigerated?
The strained liquid should be refrigerated for at least two hours until it is thoroughly chilled.
How should the fresh ginger be prepared?
You should use 6 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced.
How do I prepare the lemongrass for the soup?
Remove the tough outer leaves, lightly smash the tender inner stalks, and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds.
How should I present the soup for serving?
Place a mound of diced strawberries in the center of a bowl and carefully pour the chilled soup around them.
What is a recommended extra indulgence for this dessert?
Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream atop the diced strawberries provides an extra treat.
Can this strawberry soup be turned into a cocktail?
Yes, you can mix 1/2 cup of the soup with 1/2 cup of champagne for a summer cocktail.
How do I make a non-alcoholic refreshing version of this drink?
You can mix the strawberry soup with sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, the recipe is vegan-friendly.
What kind of juice is used in the base?
The recipe uses 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Can this dish be served as something other than dessert?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a refreshing light appetizer.
How much fresh mint is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of coarsely chopped fresh mint.
What type of equipment is needed for the straining process?
You will need a fine sieve and a large bowl.
How much sugar is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sugar.
Should the soup be served hot or cold?
The soup should be served chilled after at least two hours of refrigeration.
How many oranges are typically needed for the juice?
About 4 oranges are usually needed to produce 1 cup of freshly squeezed juice.
What size should the reserved strawberries be diced into?
The reserved strawberries should be diced into approximately 1/4-inch pieces.
Is this recipe considered a no-cook dessert?
While it involves boiling and simmering, it is tagged as a no-cook dessert in spirit as it is served cold without final baking.