Rose Hip Soup

Rose Hip Soup transports you into the realm of delicate flavors and enchanting aromas. This Scandinavian classic captures the essence of ripe rose hips, offering a soup that is both elegant and refreshing. Infused with a vanilla pod’s subtle sweetness and adorned with toasted slivered almonds, this soup is a celebration of nature’s bounty. With the option of enjoying it chilled or warm, the Rose Hip Soup is a versatile treat that awakens the senses.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50-60 minutes (including chilling time)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb 2 oz (500g) ripe rose hips, rinsed
• 1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise
• Superfine sugar, to taste
• 1/2 cup (100ml) heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp natural yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 3/4 oz (50g) slivered almonds, toasted and sprinkled with sugar, to serve
• Amaretti cookies, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Rose Hip Elixir

1. Place the rinsed rose hips in a large saucepan and generously cover them with boiling water.
2. Add the split vanilla pod to the saucepan and simmer the rose hips over low heat for 20-30 minutes until they become soft.
3. Strain the softened rose hips through a sieve into a bowl, preserving the cooking liquid and the vanilla pod.

Step 2: Extracting the Essence

1. Set the sieve filled with rose hips over another bowl. Press the rose hips in the sieve to extract a puree. Reserve this puree.
2. Return the remaining material in the sieve, along with the cooking liquid and vanilla pod, to the saucepan. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
3. Strain a portion of this mixture into the reserved puree, creating a smooth soup. Sweeten the soup with sugar according to your taste preference.
4. Chill the soup for about an hour or until it’s ready to be served.

Step 3: The Final Touches

1. Just before serving, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and natural yogurt. Sweeten this mixture to your liking.
2. Stir the lemon juice into the chilled rose hip soup, infusing it with a zesty brightness.
3. Pour or spoon the chilled soup into glass bowls, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
4. Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds over the soup, introducing a delightful crunch and hint of sweetness.
5. Serve the Rose Hip Soup with a dollop of the cream-yogurt mixture and a side of Amaretti cookies, completing the sensory experience.

Whether you’re relishing the floral charm of summer or seeking a soothing winter indulgence, the Rose Hip Soup is a timeless creation that captures the essence of the changing seasons. Savor its delicate flavors, bask in its aromatic allure, and let it transport you to the idyllic landscapes of Scandinavia with every spoonful.