If you’ve never experienced the delightful charm of a chilled fruit soup, you’re in for a genuine treat with this Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe. It’s a refreshingly light, perfectly sweet, and gently thickened cherry soup that feels like summer in a bowl. Whether you’re craving something cool to beat the heat or a unique dessert to impress friends, this soup combines the natural sweetness of ripe cherries with a silky texture that’s both comforting and invigorating. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your warm-weather repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each element is essential in building a harmony of flavors, texture, and brightness. The fresh cherries bring the star sweetness and color, while potato starch gives the soup just the right amount of body without weighing it down. Everything else works in perfect balance to highlight those juicy cherries.
- Sweet red cherries (1 lb, fresh or frozen, pitted): The heart of the soup — ripe cherries provide natural sweetness and beautiful vibrant color.
- Filtered water (8 cups): Creates the flavorful cherry broth without any off tastes.
- Sugar (3/4 cup): Enhances the natural cherry sweetness, balancing the tartness perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 Tbsp): Adds a bright, zesty note to lift all the flavors and prevent dullness.
- Potato starch (4 Tbsp dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water): Thickens the soup gently to create that lovely kissel consistency without heaviness.
How to Make Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the cherries
Start by filling a medium pot with 8 cups of filtered water and adding the pitted cherries. Bring this to a boil and let the cherries begin to release their juice. This simmering stage transforms the water into a rich cherry broth, bursting with natural sweetness and tart cherry flavor.
Step 2: Sweeten and brighten
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 12 minutes, partially covered to prevent overflow while allowing steam to escape. Then stir in 3/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. These ingredients balance sweetness with a hint of acidity, rounding out the cherry flavor beautifully. Continue simmering for another 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 3: Thicken to perfect silkiness
It’s time to give your kissel that signature smooth, slightly thickened texture. Slowly add the potato starch dissolved in cold water to the simmering soup while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once everything is combined, remove the pot from heat and give it a moment to cool slightly. If you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to strain out the cherries, though the juicy pieces add wonderful bursts of flavor that I adore!
How to Serve Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe with a simple garnish can elevate the experience. A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves adds a refreshing contrast. For a nutty twist, toasted almond slivers are delightful atop the warm or chilled soup, adding crunch alongside the velvety texture.
Side Dishes
This kissel soup shines best as a light, standalone treat, but if you want to serve it as part of a meal, consider pairing it with subtle accompaniments. Fresh fruit salads, delicate butter cookies, or a slice of pound cake work beautifully to complement the subtle sweetness and tartness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Visual presentation turns this simple soup into an inviting feast. Serve it in clear glass mugs or bowls to showcase the vibrant cherry color. Try layering it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for an indulgent dessert twist. Or pour into small jars for an elegant picnic or potluck offering — a little unexpected and completely charming!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because its flavor deepens as it rests, leftovers often taste even better the next day, making it the perfect make-ahead treat for busy summer days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cherry soup later, freezing is possible, but keep in mind that the potato starch thickening might alter texture slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover or thawed Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe, reheat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently to keep its silky texture perfect. It also tastes amazing served cold if your preference is a refreshing summer chill.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in this recipe and make it easy to enjoy Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe any time of year. Just make sure they are pitted, and you can add them straight to the pot without thawing first.
What is kissel and why use potato starch?
Kissel is a traditional Eastern European fruit soup or dessert thickened with starch to give it a velvety but light texture. Potato starch is excellent because it creates that silky smooth consistency without cloudiness or heaviness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure any garnishes you choose are plant-based to keep it vegan-friendly.
Is it better to strain the cherries or leave them in?
It’s totally up to you! Leaving the cherries in adds lovely texture and extra bursts of flavor, while straining creates a smooth, clear soup. Both ways taste fantastic—try each to find your favorite.
How sweet should the soup be?
The suggested 3/4 cup sugar balances the natural tartness of cherries perfectly, but you can adjust according to your taste or use natural sweeteners. Just remember, the soup tastes best when it’s gently sweet and bright, not overly sugary.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe — it turns simple ingredients into a luscious, comforting dish that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, with or without garnishes, it inevitably brings a smile and a refreshing moment of pure summer joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this little taste of happiness with the people you love.
Print
Cherry Summer Kissel (Sweet Cherry Soup) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Summer Soup, also known as Kissel, is a refreshing Eastern European dessert soup made from sweet red cherries simmered with sugar and lemon juice, thickened with potato starch. Perfect served warm or chilled, this lightly sweet, tangy treat is both flavorful and comforting during warm weather.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet red cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- 8 cups filtered water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 Tbsp potato starch
- 1/4 cup cold water (for dissolving starch)
Instructions
- Boil Cherries: Fill a medium pot with 8 cups of filtered water. Add 1 pound of pitted sweet red cherries and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer with Sugar and Lemon: Reduce the heat to low and let the cherries simmer partially covered for 12 minutes. Avoid fully covering to prevent spillover. Then stir in 3/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, simmering for an additional 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Thicken the Soup: Dissolve 4 tablespoons of potato starch in 1/4 cup cold water to make a slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the pot while stirring continuously. Remove the soup from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. You may strain out the cherries if desired, but keeping them adds texture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm cherry soup into bowls or mugs. Alternatively, chill it before serving, as both warm and cold versions are delicious.
Notes
- Do not fully cover the pot during simmering to prevent boil-overs.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries; just ensure they are pitted.
- Potato starch thickens the soup without adding cloudiness or altering the flavor.
- The soup can be served warm or chilled depending on preference.
- Leftovers reheat well, maintaining consistency and taste.
