Spicy Cranberry Soup / Cranberry Rasam #Cranberry Week

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.

Here is a quick link for the fellow bloggers Monday Cranberry Recipes for #CranberryWeek

Braised Red Cabbage with Cranberries & Maple by Savory Moments

Cranberry Baked Brie by Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Cranberry BBQ Chicken Sandwiches by Cheese Curd In Paradise

Cranberry Blue Cheese Ball by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread by Making Miracles

Cranberry Sauce with Caramelized Onions by Shockingly Delicious

Cranberry Scones by Kate's Recipe Box

Cranberry Stuffed Pork Chops by The Redhead Baker

Cranberry Whiskey Sour by Family Around the Table

Creamy Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken by Sweet Beginnings

Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider by Palatable Pastime

Spicy Cranberry Soup by Magical Ingredients (you are here!)

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies by House of Nash Eats