Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet, refreshing treat that captures absolutely everything magical about summer, you have to try this Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe. This traditional Eastern European dessert is vibrant and jewel-colored, with an irresistible balance of tart cherries, bright citrus, and that signature luscious, silky texture. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, each spoonful is nostalgia for sunny days and backyard gatherings. The Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, and it’s so much more than the sum of its parts—a little magic in a bowl that’s almost too beautiful to eat, but much too delicious not to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: each ingredient is both essential and transformative, helping create that bright tang, delicate sweetness, and the classic silkiness we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love each element!

• Cherries: The star—fresh or frozen sweet red cherries add luxurious color and unbeatable flavor. Don’t skimp!
• Filtered Water: Acts as the base, letting the cherry flavors shine without distraction.
• Sugar: Just enough to round out the cherries’ tartness and make this soup sing.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and subtle acidity to wake up all the other flavors.
• Potato Starch: This is the secret to that velvety, glossy consistency—no gluey, heavy textures here!
• Cold Water (for starch): Ensures the starch mixes in smoothly and thickens the soup perfectly without any lumps.

How to Make Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Base

Grab a medium-sized pot and combine all 8 cups of filtered water with your generous pile of pitted cherries. Set your burner to medium heat and bring the summery mix to a gentle boil—it should already start filling your kitchen with that sweet cherry aroma!

Step 2: Simmer the Cherries

Once you’ve reached a lively boil, turn the heat down to low. Partially cover the pot, leaving a small gap for steam to escape (and to keep things from bubbling over). Let it simmer away for about 12 minutes, stirring every now and then. Watch how the cherries start to burst and color the water a gorgeous magenta!

Step 3: Add Sugar and Lemon Juice

After the cherries have softened, stir in the sugar and fresh lemon juice. Mix well and let the soup simmer for another 3 minutes, so the sweetness and citrusy brightness really infuse into the bubbling liquid.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, dissolve the potato starch in a quarter cup of cold water—this step is key for avoiding any lumps. Now, take a deep breath and slowly pour the slurry into your simmering cherry soup, stirring constantly. You’ll see it magically thicken and go glossy in a matter of moments. Stop when it reaches your favorite consistency: silky but still soup-like.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Take the pot off the heat and let your Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe cool a bit. You get to choose the texture: strain out those cherries for an elegant, smooth finish, or leave them in for bursts of juicy fruit with every spoonful. Ladle into bowls or mugs—serve warm if you’re feeling cozy, or chill it completely for a refreshing finish.

How to Serve Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe

Garnishes

You can keep it classic with just a dollop of lightly whipped cream, or take it over the top with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves, an extra handful of pitted cherries, or even a few shaved almonds for a sweet crunch. A simple dusting of powdered sugar right before serving is heaven!

Side Dishes

This soup sings when paired with delicate vanilla wafers, buttery shortbread, or crisp butter cookies on the side. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of tangy yogurt alongside brings perfect contrast and makes any serving instantly more festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun summer party twist, serve the Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe in clear glasses to show off that stunning color. Try layering it with yogurt parfaits, or pour it into popsicle molds for a frozen cherry treat that kids and adults will both adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe into an airtight container, let it cool completely, and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

If you want to savor summer later, go ahead and freeze the cooled soup in individual containers or freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To serve warm, gently reheat the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often so it stays silky. Avoid boiling after thickening to prevent the potato starch from thinning out. Or, simply enjoy chilled straight from the fridge—both ways are delightful!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries are a great substitute and make it easy to enjoy Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe year-round. Just add them to the pot straight from the freezer—no need to thaw first.

Is potato starch essential, or can I substitute cornstarch?

Potato starch gives the soup its signature glossy texture without any pasty aftertaste, but cornstarch will work in a pinch. Just use the same amount and mix it well with cold water before adding.

Can I make this recipe less sweet?

Of course! Feel free to reduce the sugar, especially if your cherries are exceptionally sweet. You can always add a tiny bit more near the end, if needed, after tasting.

How do I pit fresh cherries easily?

If you don’t have a cherry pitter handy, push a chopstick or sturdy straw through the cherry to pop the pit out—quick, mess-free, and oddly satisfying!

Is Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe served hot or cold?

This is totally up to you! Traditionally, it can be enjoyed either way: hot for coziness or chilled for peak summer refreshment. Both are equally delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a homemade Cherry Summer Soup (Kissel) Recipe, prepare to fall in love! This simple, stunning dessert is reason alone to celebrate cherry season, but thankfully, it tastes wonderful all year with frozen fruit, too. I hope you give it a try and make it your new warm-weather tradition—you truly can’t go wrong with a bowl of cherry sunshine like this.

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