A thin pudding or dessert soup, kissel is common throughout eastern Europe. It can even be served as a sweet drink. The thickness of the kissel comes from the inclusion of cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or—as in the recipe that follows—potato starch, and the thickness is adjusted depending on how kissel is to be consumed. The thinnest kissel is often drunk straight from the serving dish. Somewhat thicker kissel may be used as a topping or syrup for other desserts or dishes. The thickest variety of kissel is eaten as a standalone dessert.
Prep Time
5 minutes
+ 30 minutes resting
+ 30 minutes resting
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- 1½ qt (1.5 l) water
- 2 cups (480 ml) cranberries
- 1¼ cup (300 ml) sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) potato starch
- ½ cup (120 ml) cold water
Directions
- Using a non-reactive saucepan set over medium high heat, bring water to a boil then add berries.
- Cook about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Reserving the liquid, drain and press fruit through a sieve.
- Return to saucepan then add sugar and simmer 5 minutes.
- Separately in a small bowl, mix potato starch with cold water.
- Remove pan from the heat and pour starch mixture slowly into the cranberry liquid, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Return the pan to burner over very low heat.
- Bring just to the simmering point, but do not boil.
- Remove from heat and pour into small bowls.
- Sprinkle some sugar on top to keep a skin from forming.
- Chill before serving.
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