Growing up in Hungary, I have always been surrounded by the rich heritage of Hungarian cuisine. One dish that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and festive occasions is meggyleves.
Translating to “sour cherry soup,” meggyleves holds a special place in Hungarian culture, often served as a refreshing starter or a light dessert during the summer months. Its vibrant red color and tangy-sweet flavor never fail to tantalize the taste buds and evoke feelings of nostalgia.

What is Meggyleves?
Meggyleves is a traditional Hungarian soup made with fresh pitted sour cherries, water, flour, sour cream, cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, sugar, and confectioners’ sugar.
This unique combination of ingredients results in a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing.
The Ingredients:
- Water: Water forms the base of the soup, providing a neutral canvas upon which the other ingredients can shine. It’s the essential liquid that binds everything together.
- Fresh pitted sour cherries: Fresh pitted sour cherries are the star of the show, imparting their tartness and vibrant color to the soup. They lend a refreshing burst of fruity flavor that is both invigorating and comforting.
- All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent, helping to give the soup its desired consistency. It ensures that the soup has a hearty, satisfying texture that coats the palate with each spoonful.
- Sour cream: Sour cream adds a luxurious creaminess to the soup, balancing out the tartness of the cherries while also imparting a subtle tang. Its richness elevates the dish, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries and helps to balance the flavors, ensuring that they are not overly cloying. It also helps to bring out the other spices and ingredients, allowing them to shine through.
- Cinnamon AND Allspice, Ground cloves:Cinnamon, allspice, and ground cloves are the aromatic spices that infuse the soup with warmth and depth. They add layers of complexity to the flavor profile, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia with every sip.
- Sugar: Sugar provides sweetness to counterbalance the tartness of the cherries, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both sweet and sour. It rounds out the taste of the soup, making it incredibly satisfying to the palate.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar is used as a garnish, adding a touch of sweetness and a delicate dusting of elegance to the finished dish. Its fine texture melts into the soup, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a subtle hint of sweetness with every spoonful.

Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
- In a large saucepan, combine 6 cups of water, 1 pound of fresh pitted sour cherries, 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 sticks of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of allspice, and a pinch of ground cloves.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the cherries until they’re tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Sour Cream Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of confectioners’ sugar until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Temper the Sour Cream Mixture
- Once the cherries are done cooking, carefully ladle a few spoonfuls of the hot cherry liquid into the sour cream mixture, whisking constantly. This helps to gradually raise the temperature of the sour cream without causing it to curdle.
- Continue adding the hot cherry liquid until the sour cream mixture is warmed through.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Pour the tempered sour cream mixture into the saucepan with the cooked cherries, whisking constantly to combine. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Step 5: Simmer Gently
- Allow the soup to simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it come to a boil, as this could cause the sour cream to curdle.
Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate
- Once the soup has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in an ice water bath.
- Once cooled, cover the surface of the soup directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, then refrigerate until cold.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- When ready to serve, ladle the chilled Meggyleves into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream if desired. Enjoy this refreshing soup either as a first course or as a delightful dessert!
Notes:
To enhance your meggyleves experience, consider these insightful tips:
– For a smoother texture, you can strain the soup before serving.
– Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
– Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
– Fresh sour cherries are ideal; however, you can use frozen cherries as a convenient alternative.
– Let the soup chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving for a refreshing treat.
Storage Tips:
If you have any leftovers of this delectable soup, here are some handy storage tips to keep it fresh:
– Store meggyleves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
– Before reheating, stir the soup gently to ensure the flavors are well combined.
– You can also freeze meggyleves in suitable containers for up to 2-3 months for future enjoyment.

Nutrition Information:
Meggyleves offers a wonderful blend of flavors along with nutritional benefits. Here’s a general overview of its nutritional content:
– Calories: 222 kcal per serving
– Carbohydrates: 38g
– Protein: 2g
– Fat: 8g
Serving Suggestions:
Elevate your meggyleves experience with these serving suggestions:
Chilled Delight: Serve meggyleves chilled on a hot summer day for a refreshing treat.
Garnish Galore: Top the soup with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.
Crunchy Contrast: Pair meggyleves with a side of crispy almond tuiles for a textural contrast.
Warm Comfort: Enjoy meggyleves warm on a cool evening with a slice of crusty bread for a cozy meal.
Festive Twist: Serve meggyleves as a unique dessert at holiday gatherings for a memorable culinary experience.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Meggyleves?
If you’re looking to switch up the ingredients in meggyleves, here are some delightful substitutes to consider:
Sweet Cherries: While not traditional, sweet cherries can be used for a milder flavor profile.
Frozen Cherries: Opt for frozen cherries when fresh ones are not in season, ensuring a convenient option.
Almond Milk: Swap out sour cream for almond milk for a dairy-free alternative with a nutty undertone.
Maple Syrup: Replace sugar with maple syrup for a natural sweetener, adding a rich depth of flavor.
Orange Zest: Enhance the soup with a touch of orange zest for a citrusy twist that complements the cherries beautifully.

Meggyleves recipe
Equipment
- large saucepan
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 pound fresh pitted sour cherries
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 stick cinnamon
- 1 tbsp allspice
- pinch of ground cloves
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
- In a large saucepan, combine 6 cups of water, 1 pound of fresh pitted sour cherries, 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 sticks of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of allspice, and a pinch of ground cloves.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the cherries until they’re tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Sour Cream Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of confectioners’ sugar until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Temper the Sour Cream Mixture
- Once the cherries are done cooking, carefully ladle a few spoonfuls of the hot cherry liquid into the sour cream mixture, whisking constantly. This helps to gradually raise the temperature of the sour cream without causing it to curdle.
- Continue adding the hot cherry liquid until the sour cream mixture is warmed through.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Pour the tempered sour cream mixture into the saucepan with the cooked cherries, whisking constantly to combine. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Step 5: Simmer Gently
- Allow the soup to simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it come to a boil, as this could cause the sour cream to curdle.
Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate
- Once the soup has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in an ice water bath.
- Once cooled, cover the surface of the soup directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, then refrigerate until cold.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- When ready to serve, ladle the chilled Meggyleves into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream if desired. Enjoy this refreshing soup either as a first course or as a delightful dessert!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned sour cherries instead of fresh ones in meggyleves?
– While fresh sour cherries are preferred for their vibrant flavor, canned cherries can be used as a convenient alternative. Just ensure they are drained well before adding to the soup for optimal results.
2. Is meggyleves served hot or cold?
– Meggyleves can be enjoyed both hot and cold, depending on personal preference. It is traditionally served chilled during the summer months but can also be served warm for a cozy treat.
3. Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt in meggyleves?
– Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to sour cream in meggyleves. Just be mindful of its tanginess and adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
4. What can I use as a garnish for meggyleves?
– Popular garnishes for meggyleves include mint leaves, whipped cream, toasted almonds, or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
5. Can I make meggyleves ahead of time?
– Yes, meggyleves can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just remember to stir well before reheating to ensure the flavors are well mixed.
6.Is meggyleves a popular dish in Hungary for special occasions?
– Yes, meggyleves is often served during festive occasions such as weddings, holidays, and family gatherings in Hungary, symbolizing abundance and togetherness.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, meggyleves is more than just a soup; it is a representation of tradition, culture, and the vibrant flavors of Hungary. By preparing this savory-sweet dish, you not only savor its delightful taste but also embrace a piece of Hungarian culinary heritage.
Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer, dessert, or anytime treat, meggyleves is sure to captivate your senses and transport you to the heart of Hungary.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps with care, and indulge in a bowl of meggyleves for a truly memorable culinary experience. Thank you for joining me on this gastronomic adventure, and I look forward to hearing about your own meggyleves creations!
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Hi! I'm Mary Lee. I love helping people eat yummy and healthy food. I live in Oregon. Cooking is my happy place. Let's make tasty dishes together!