Souffled Cherry Soup
This elegant "souffled cherry soup" is a show-stopping dessert that blends the rich, dark sweetness of flambéed black cherries with a light, ethereal egg-white foam. The base consists of cherries cooked down with butter and sugar, then ignited with kirsch for a complex, warm aroma. A delicate mixture of whipped egg yolks and stiffly beaten egg whites is folded in just before baking, creating a texture that is simultaneously airy and substantial. The addition of fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, balancing the deep fruit flavors. Best served immediately after baking to capture the peak rise, this dish is perfect for romantic dinners or special celebrations where you want to impress guests with theatrical presentation and sophisticated, old-world French technique.
Description
This elegant "souffled cherry soup" is a show-stopping dessert that blends the rich, dark sweetness of flambéed black cherries with a light, ethereal egg-white foam. The base consists of cherries cooked down with butter and sugar, then ignited with kirsch for a complex, warm aroma. A delicate mixture of whipped egg yolks and stiffly beaten egg whites is folded in just before baking, creating a texture that is simultaneously airy and substantial. The addition of fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, balancing the deep fruit flavors. Best served immediately after baking to capture the peak rise, this dish is perfect for romantic dinners or special celebrations where you want to impress guests with theatrical presentation and sophisticated, old-world French technique.
Ingredients
- 1 Black cherries, stoned (about 2 1/4 lb)
- 30 Unsalted butter (about 1 oz)
- 70 Sugar (about 2 1/2 oz), divided
- 1 Egg yolk
- 2 Egg whites
- 1.5 Lemon juice
- 1 Kirsch (cherry brandy)
Directions
- 1 One day in advance (or up to 24 hours ahead), place 400 g (14 oz) of the stoned cherries into a frying pan with the butter.
- 2
Cook gently over medium-low heat until the cherries release their juices.- 3
Add the sugar and continue cooking until the sugar slightly caramelizes and the mixture thickens into a compote.- 4
Pour in a generous dash of kirsch and carefully flambe the mixture. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.- 5
Just before serving, pre-heat the oven to 260°C (500°F).- 6
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolk with 35 g (1 1/4 oz) of the sugar until pale, thick, and fluffy. Stir in half a tablespoon of lemon juice.- 7
In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar while whisking continuously until firm peaks form.- 8
Stir the remaining lemon juice into the egg whites, then gently fold the whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.- 9
Strain the prepared cherry compote to separate the cherries from the juice. Divide the cherries evenly among four small soufflé dishes (6 cm / 2 3/8 inches in diameter).- 10
Top the cherries in each dish with a little of the reserved cherry juice to just cover them.- 11
Spoon the soufflé mixture over the cherries, filling the dishes to the top.- 12
Bake at the bottom of the pre-heated oven for 5 minutes.- 13
Serve immediately while the soufflés are still rising and hot.NoteStorage: The cherry base can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. The soufflé mixture must be prepared fresh just before baking.
Substitutions: If kirsch is unavailable, you may use a mild cherry liqueur or omit it, though the flavor profile will be less complex.
Variations: For a richer flavor, add a small piece of dark chocolate to the cherry compote while cooking.
Technique: Ensure the soufflé dishes are clean and dry for the best rise. Do not open the oven door during baking.
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