Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup Recipe

Imagine stepping into the grand, elegant lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where the smell of fresh flowers blends with the sweet, delicate aroma of something both refreshing and luxurious. That’s exactly the experience you get when you take a spoonful of their famous Strawberry Soup. This light yet indulgent dish is served chilled, offering a perfect balance of tart, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness, making it the perfect summer starter or a beautiful addition to any special gathering.

Now, you don’t need to fly to Orlando to savor this signature soup. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can recreate this signature Disney dish right in your own kitchen. So, let’s dive into this Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup recipe-one that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to an elegant dining room in the heart of Disney World.

Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about blending a few ingredients; it’s about creating something special that sings with the flavors of fresh strawberries, a touch of citrus, and a subtle hint of creaminess. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a dessert, this strawberry soup is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious, creamy strawberry soup, here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need:

• Fresh Strawberries: You want ripe, juicy strawberries to get that sweet, fruity base for the soup. Frozen strawberries can work too, but fresh berries make all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Sugar: A little bit of sugar to enhance the sweetness of the strawberries and help balance out the tartness.
• Heavy Cream: The rich, velvety texture of the cream adds depth and smoothness to the soup, making it luxurious without being overly heavy.
• Orange Juice: This adds a subtle citrus note that brightens the flavors of the strawberries and ties the whole dish together.
• Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice will give your soup a bit of tang, balancing the sweetness and bringing a refreshing zing.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract helps deepen the flavor profile and complements the fruitiness of the strawberries.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt to round out the flavors and keep everything in harmony.
• Optional Garnishes: You can serve the soup with a garnish of fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream, which enhances the presentation and adds extra creaminess.

Cooking Instructions

Making the Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup is a breeze. Here’s how you can whip it up in just a few easy steps:

1. Prepare The Strawberries

   • Rinse the strawberries thoroughly, then hull and chop them into smaller pieces. This allows them to release their juices more easily when blended.

2. Cook The Base

   • In a medium-sized saucepan, add your chopped strawberries and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the strawberries start releasing their juices and the sugar dissolves. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Blend The Strawberries

   • Once the strawberry mixture has simmered and softened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Transfer the strawberries into a blender or food processor, and puree until smooth. You can strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any seeds if you prefer a silky smooth texture.

4. Combine The Cream And Juices

   • Return the strawberry puree to the saucepan, and stir in the heavy cream, orange juice, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring gently. Don’t let it boil! You just want to warm it through and let the cream fully incorporate.

5. Season

   • Taste the soup and add a pinch of salt. This small step enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. If you feel the soup needs a bit more sugar, go ahead and add a little more to suit your preference.

6. Chill And Serve

   • Let the soup cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. The flavors will develop further as it chills, and the soup will become wonderfully refreshing.

7. Garnish

   • Before serving, add a garnish of whipped cream and mint leaves, or you can even add a few fresh strawberry slices for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

When it comes to recreating the Grand Floridian’s Strawberry Soup, the choice of ingredients makes all the difference. Let’s take a closer look at the key components:

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the heart of the soup. Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and sweet. The freshness of the fruit really shines through in this dish, so make sure to pick the best.
• Heavy Cream: The luxurious, thick texture of heavy cream makes the soup rich and velvety. It helps balance the natural tartness of the strawberries and creates that beautiful, smooth mouthfeel.
• Citrus Juices: Orange and lemon juices brighten the flavor, cutting through the richness of the cream. The citrus also adds a layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the strawberries.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a small dash of vanilla extract gives the soup a subtle, aromatic depth. It brings a bit of warmth that complements the fruity and creamy elements without overpowering them.

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Strawberries: While you can substitute frozen strawberries in a pinch, fresh berries are always the best choice for maximum flavor and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may need to adjust the sugar levels. Taste your mixture before and after blending, and tweak the sweetness to your liking.
• Strain for Smoothness: If you’re after a silky-smooth consistency, strain the blended mixture to remove seeds or any larger bits of strawberry that remain.
• Chill Properly: The soup is best when served well-chilled, so be sure to refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving. It not only improves the flavor but also enhances the refreshing, cool aspect of the dish.
• Go Easy on the Heat: Don’t boil the soup once you’ve added the cream and juices. You just want to gently heat it through so the ingredients combine smoothly.

Recipe Variations

While the classic version of the Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it your own or add some creative twists:

• Strawberry & Mint Soup: Add some fresh mint leaves to the soup base for a refreshing herbal flavor. You could also blend some mint leaves into the soup itself for a more pronounced mint taste.
• Balsamic Vinegar Twist: For a slightly tangy, sophisticated flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the mixture. This adds depth and a subtle savory contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Alcohol Infusion: For an adults-only version, consider infusing the soup with a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Chambord. The fruitiness of these liqueurs pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
• Non-Dairy Version: For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. This will give the soup a slightly different texture but still provide a rich and creamy result.

Final Words

This Grand Floridian Strawberry Soup is one of those recipes that combines luxury with simplicity. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, a light appetizer at a dinner party, or even as a refreshing dessert. The balance of sweet strawberries, zesty citrus, and rich cream makes it a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.