Cranberry Kissel
Description
Cranberry kissel is a traditional Ukrainian fruit dessert drink made from cranberries, sugar, and starch. It has a bright ruby color, sweet-tart flavor, and a slightly thick consistency. Served warm or chilled, it’s a beloved treat in Eastern Europe.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare cranberries. Wash cranberries and mash or blend them.
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Extract juice. Press cranberries through a sieve or cheesecloth. Save the juice in a bowl.
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Cook the base. Take the leftover cranberry pulp, add 1 liter of water, and bring to a boil. Strain and discard solids.
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Sweeten. Add sugar (and optional vanilla or lemon zest) to the hot liquid. Stir until dissolved.
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Thicken. Pour in the dissolved starch in a thin stream, whisking constantly. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Finish with juice. Remove from heat, then add the reserved cranberry juice. Stir well.
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Serve. Serve warm in mugs or chilled in glasses.
