Meggyleves – Hungarian Chilled Cherry Soup

Meggyleves is a traditional Hungarian sour cherry soup served chilled, making it a wonderfully refreshing dish for warm days. Unlike a typical savory soup, this Hungarian specialty is sweet, tangy, creamy, and gently spiced.

The combination of tart cherries, cinnamon, and sour cream creates a distinctive flavor that is both simple and elegant.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb fresh or frozen sour cherries, pitted
• 4 cups water
• ½–¾ cup granulated sugar, to taste
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3–4 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish

• Fresh cherries
• A spoonful of sour cream
• Fresh mint
• Lightly whipped cream