Cranberry soup is inspired by our traditional rasam or mulligatawny soup. We generally use tamarind and tangy tomatoes to make the rasam base. Cranberries are sour and I usually substitute them in many curries where I had the need to add sour ingredients. Soup is a comfort meal and this one has the richness of pepper and hence boost immunity too. This cranberry soup/rasam can be had as such or served over rice. It is neither a thick soup nor it is very thin. It can be prepared in under 30 minutes. While this is getting ready, cook the rice, serve the soup over rice and you have the greatest comfort meal for a cold winter night.
I am posting this recipe for #CranberryWeek. Also, check out my recipe for Cranberry rice and Cranberry Jam.
Ingredients
Ghee or clarified butter - 1/2 tsp
Garlic -2, chopped
Whole black pepper - 1/4 tsp
Red chillies - 1 or 2
Cranberries - 1/3 cup, fresh
Salt - 3/4 tsp
Water- 2 cups plus 2 tbsp
Cilantro - 1 tsp, chopped fine
Method
Heat ghee in a pan. Add the garlic, red chillies, and black pepper. Sauté till they are fragrant and the garlic is beginning to brown. In a blender, add the sautéed garlic-peppers and the cranberries and cumin. Grind to a smooth paste with a couple of tbsp of water.
Transfer the puree to a saucepot, add a cup of water, turmeric, salt, and asafoetida. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Add another cup of water. Let it begin to boil and then switch off the flame.
Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice and a dollop of ghee (optional).
Tip
If you don't have ghee, feel free to use butter instead. For a vegan version, try with coconut oil. The flavor and aroma of coconut oil would be divine too.
Dorothy Reinhold says
Soup! What a creative way to use cranberries. I can't wait to try this one.
Amy (Savory Moments) says
What a creative way to use cranberry. I've never had them in a soup before.
Kathryn Donangelo says
Wow this is such a great idea! Love the idea of cranberries and soup together. This is the ultimate comfort food especially when it's chilly out!
Radha says
Thanks Amy.
Radha says
Thanks Dorothy!
Radha says
Yes Kathryn. The ultimate comfort food. We just had another bowl of it just before replying to your comment. Thanks for stopping by!
Chris says
Such simple ingredients turn into a delicious and hearty dinner. I love the soup and the suggestion of serving over rice. I love rice!