Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup – A Refreshing Smoothie-Like Dessert

Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup – A Refreshing Smoothie-Like Dessert–It’s summer and casting an eye into the back garden may reveal the tender young rhubarb is among the nourishments still springing up, ready to be cooked and eaten. And the perfect accompaniment to rhubarb is the strawberry – scented and sweet, these gem-like fruits are now abundant at a grocery store near you.

When you are making plans for those abundant rhubarb stalks (remember, the leaves are poisonous) and would like to try something lighter than the usual pies and cobblers, Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup is simple to make, delicious and extraordinarily refreshing. What’s more, you can control the calories by substituting low-fat/no-fat yogurt and omitting the butter and replacing it with water.

This recipe is taken from The French Culinary Institute’s Salute to Healthy Cooking from America’s Foremost French Chefs. You will be surprised at the subtle sweetness and tangy finish.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup

Serves 4
Preparation Time: 25 minutes; Cook Time: 7 minuttes; Refrigeration Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

1 teaspoon unsalted butter
3 stalks rhubarb, peeled and cut into 1 1⁄2-inch chunks
2 cups strawberries, washed, hulled and cut into chunks 1⁄2 cup fresh orange juice
1⁄4 cup sugar
3⁄4 cup vanilla yogurt
4 leaves of fresh mint

Directions

Melt the butter in a medium, nonstick pan over medium high heat. Add the rhubarb and sauté for 1 minute then reduce the heat to medium and cover and cook for 7 minutes or until the rhubarb is tender and has released all its liquid.

Uncover and allow to cool slightly.

Transfer to a blender or a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Add the strawberries, orange juice, sugar, and 1⁄2 cup of the yogurt. Process until smooth. Pour into a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the soup is well chilled.

Pour the chilled soup into 4 small bowls. Place 1 tablespoon of the remaining yogurt in the center of each bowl. Place a mint leaf into the yogurt and serve.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup – A Refreshing Smoothie-Like Dessert is so good, I hope you’ll try and enjoy it. Another delicious savory cold soup recipe from FFA is Glorious Gazpacho.