This simple chilled Peach Lemongrass Soup with Creme Fraiche recipe is an unexpected delight! Sweetened only by the ripe peaches, the flavors of lemongrass and ginger blend beautifully for a taste of high summer.
We are currently swimming in peaches and they are gorgeous. Firm fruit that yields to the slightest squeeze. Perfectly ripe. The kind of ripe that when you bite into one abundant juice dribbles down your face. The juice is so sweet you don't want to miss a drop of it.
At this time of year so many fruits become ripe at once. My fridge is well-stocked and even if I were to forgo all other forms of food to become a temporary Fruitarian, I'd have too much. There is of course canning or freezing to save them for later, who can wait for that?
I've been making Buttermilk Peach Buckle, Quick Fresh Peach Chutney, Grilled Peach Mascarpone Ice Cream, Grilled Peach and Corn Salsa, Peach Yogurt Granola Breakfast Popsicles (I'd eat every single day given the choice) and Peach Buttermilk Glazed Donuts (gluten-free).
You'd imagine this might satisfy my peach desires but I really wanted to mix it up and make something a bit more out of the box. I had begun to flirt with the idea of a soup, slightly chilled, not overly sweet and spiced differently than one would expect. Is that weird? Once you’ve tasted Peach Lemongrass Soup with Creme Fraiche you’ll never imagine it ever sounds odd.
I don't think it's weird. After all Gazpacho is a cold tomato soup and some might find that weird. I loved the idea of the indescribably sweet flavor of ripe peaches complimented by a slightly tangy flavor of lemongrass and a bit of crème fraiche. It is unbelievably dreamy, this soup. A perfect summer sipper with a sophisticated flavor palate the is completely refreshing as well. I could drink a gallon of it!
At the time these fantastically creative ideas came in I was well down the road with my soup. Simple, quick, embracing the indescribable flavor of the ripe peaches, with a slightly tangy compliment of lemongrass and ginger, with a bit of crème fraiche. I could easily drink a gallon of it!
Recipe
Peach Lemongrass Soup with Creme Fraiche
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoon unsalted Butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons Lemongrass Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ginger Powder
- 4 large Peaches , ripe yet firm, peeled, pitted, roughly chopped (they will be pureed later)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- Garnish: Crème Fraiche or Sour Cream
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the lemongrass powder and ground ginger. Sauté to combine and until aromatic (2-3 minutes).
- Add the peaches and continue to sauté over medium heat to fully combine the spices with the peaches and allow the peaches to soften slightly (about 5 minutes). Peaches can be mashed as they cook with a cooking spoon.
- Remove from heat. Pour mixture into a blender and puree. Return to the saucepan.
- Over very low heat, add the heavy whipping cream and the kosher salt. Stir to fully combine. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Allow to cool to room temperature. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Add a small spoonful (teaspoon sized) of crème fraiche to the top of the soup before serving.
Nutrition
This delicious recipe was originally published in August 2013 and has been updated in 2016.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That soup sounds delicious! Lemongrass is so good when combined with sweet. It’s a lovely combo.
Lisa Joy Thompson says
You are so good at creating amazing flavor combos that I would have never thought to pair together! This Peach Lemongrass Soup sounds amazing! I bet the ginger adds the perfect bit of extra flavor to this1
Toni Dash says
Thank you Lisa! I’m not sure why this jumped to mind but it really is a delicious combo. Especially with ripe, sweet summer peaches!
Jeanette says
This could be heaven for me! I absolutely love anything with peaches, I did not know you could make a soup out of it. I can’t wait to try this.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That sounds so tasty! I definitely need to try this combination!!!
Ryan Sullivan says
We’re huge peach fans at our house but I never once thought about making them into a soup. Definitely gonna have to give this a go!
Toni Dash says
Hi Ryan! It is unexpected but we loved the gentle celebration of peaches in an unconventional way.
Jenny says
Just stumbled onto your blog, and I love it! I just moved out to Coal Creek Canyon, about 30 minutes away from Boulder, from NYC, and have just started blogging. I’ll definitely be looking to you for inspiration!
Chef Dennis says
Toni
those are gorgeous images and what a delicious idea for a soup!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Dennis! Always great to have you pop by!
Adri says
That just sounds positively delightful! And I love people’s ideas. I’m with you on the Moonshine. Gotta love that.
Jennifer-The Adventuresome Kitchen says
Oh TOTALLY making this for dessert tonight! Will go perfect with the BBQ chicken and grilled peaches!! I assume you can find lemongrass powder at someplace line Whole Foods?
Toni Dash says
Our local market carries Lemongrass powder from Savory Spice shop and I’ve also purchased it from an Asian supermarket. I would think Whole Foods would have it. Funny I never thought of it for dessert! Hope you’ll like it.
Liz says
Thank you for nice recipe. I was also looking for the peach upside down cake recipe. Have a great day!
Toni Dash says
Hi Liz. Here is a recipe for a Plum Upside Down Cake I make. I wonder if you couldn’t just substitute peaches? I think the flavors would translate well. Just a thought. You too have a great day!