Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Special equipment needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the berries and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the berries to the saucepan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the berries have softened and released their juices.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth.
5. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6. Continue to simmer the mixture for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
8. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp.
9. Pour the kissel into serving bowls or glasses and refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 2-3 hours (including refrigeration time)
5. Temperature:
Medium-high heat for boiling, medium-low heat for simmering.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Total fat: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Total carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of fresh or frozen berries in this recipe.
- If you prefer a less sweet kissel, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 1/4 cup.
Variations:
- For a creamier kissel, you can add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the mixture before straining.
- You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps from forming.
- If the kissel is too thick, you can add a little more water to thin it out.
- You can also adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover kissel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the kissel, simply microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the kissel in clear glasses or bowls to show off the vibrant color of the berries.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the kissel with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprig of mint.
Pairings:
Kissel with berries pairs well with vanilla ice cream or a slice of pound cake.
Suggested side dishes:
This dessert is best served on its own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the kissel is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
- If the kissel is too thick, you can add a little more water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to refrigerate the kissel promptly after making it to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Kissel is a traditional Russian dessert that dates back to the 16th century.
Flavor profiles:
This kissel with berries is sweet and tart, with a thick and creamy texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the kissel chilled for a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.
Related Categories
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Region: Russian
Taste: Sweet, Tart, Fruity, Refreshing