COLD CHERRY BORSCHT

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Cold Cherry Borscht image

Because this looks so much like a beet borscht, I decided to call it a cherry borscht. Cherries are a terrific source of two phytochemicals, quercetin and ellagic acid, that may have antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties. The anthocyanins that give the fruit its red color are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well. It's worth noting that the Environmental Working Group found a great number of pesticide residues on conventionally grown cherries, so seek out cherries that are grown locally by small farmers.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, weekday, soups and stews, appetizer

Time 20m

Yield Serves six to eight

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 pounds cherries, such as bing cherries, stemmed
3 cups water
1 rose geranium sprig (optional)
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/3 cups plain low-fat yogurt

Steps:

  • Set aside 18 cherries. Pit the remaining cherries, holding them over a bowl to catch the juices. Place the pitted cherries in the bowl with the juices, and place the pits in a small saucepan. Add 1 cup of the water, the rose geranium sprig, the sugar and the lemon zest. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Strain the liquid in the saucepan into the bowl with the pitted cherries. Discard the pits.
  • Transfer the cherries and liquid to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
  • Working in batches and covering the blender top with a kitchen towel to avoid hot splashes, puree the soup, about 1 1/2 cups at a time. Strain through a medium strainer into a bowl, pushing the soup through with the back of a ladle or with a rubber spatula. Stir in the almond extract, a pinch of salt and the lemon juice. Chill the soup by placing the bowl in a larger bowl of ice water, or refrigerate.
  • When the soup has chilled, whisk in the yogurt. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired.
  • Serve garnished with the cherries you set aside.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 136, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 69 milligrams, Sugar 26 grams

Gabby Forester
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I've been making this cold cherry borscht for years and it's always a hit! It's the perfect summer soup - light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. I love the combination of sweet cherries, tangy kefir, and refreshing cucumber. Highly recommend!


Nambuya Brenda
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This was a great recipe! I made it for my family and they all loved it. The soup was light and refreshing, and the flavors were perfect. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Rauf Shahani
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This cold cherry borscht is a must-try for anyone who loves refreshing and flavorful soups. The combination of cherries, kefir, and cucumber is incredibly delicious. I highly recommend this recipe!


Heathen Knight
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This soup is amazing! The flavors are so well-balanced and the cherries add a lovely sweetness. I will definitely be making this again.


Iwona Chandarana
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This was my first time making cold cherry borscht and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow and the soup was delicious. I especially loved the addition of dill and mint. Will definitely be making this again.


Happy Waybow
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I've been making this cold cherry borscht for years and it's always a hit! It's the perfect summer soup - light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. I love the combination of sweet cherries, tangy kefir, and refreshing cucumber. Highly recommend!


Moses Wanyonyi
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This was a great recipe! I made it for my family and they all loved it. The soup was light and refreshing, and the flavors were perfect. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Kaylee Amiappen
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This cold cherry borscht is a must-try for anyone who loves refreshing and flavorful soups. The combination of cherries, kefir, and cucumber is incredibly delicious. I highly recommend this recipe!


Avena Write
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I made this soup for a potluck and it was a big hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor combination. I will definitely be making this again.


Candace Williams
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This was my first time making cold cherry borscht and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow and the soup was delicious. I especially loved the addition of dill and mint. Will definitely be making this again.


GAMING SABBIR
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I've made this cold cherry borscht several times now and it's always a hit! It's the perfect summer soup - light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. I love the combination of sweet cherries, tangy kefir, and refreshing cucumber. Highly recommend!


Md Masum Billah.
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This was a great recipe! I made it for a party and everyone loved it. The soup was light and refreshing, and the flavors were perfect. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Raiha Monir
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I was a bit hesitant to try this recipe because I'm not a big fan of beets, but I'm so glad I did! The cherries and kefir really balance out the earthy flavor of the beets, and the result is a refreshing and flavorful soup. I'll definitely be making


Mad man
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This recipe was easy to follow and the result was delicious! The borscht had a lovely sweet and tangy flavor, and the cherries added a nice burst of freshness. I will definitely be making this again.


Ikechukwu Amos
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I followed the recipe exactly and the borscht turned out beautifully. The color was a vibrant pink and the flavors were well-balanced. I served it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and some fresh dill, and it was a hit with my family. Highly recommend!


Ziaudin Mungrio
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This cold cherry borscht was a delightful surprise! The combination of sweet cherries, tangy kefir, and refreshing cucumber was incredibly refreshing and flavorful. I especially loved the addition of dill and mint, which added a lovely herbal touch.