Crayfish and Sorrel Soup, a dish that marries the rich flavours of freshwater crustaceans with the bright, tangy notes of a wild green herb. This soup encapsulates the essence of a culinary journey that is both immersive and rewarding. This exquisite soup is not just a culinary creation but a celebration of nature's bounty. The path to crafting this delightful soup takes us beyond the supermarket aisles and into the heart of our natural surroundings, where we forage for crayfish and sorrel. In this adventure, we discover the joys of sourcing our own ingredients, connecting with the environment, and embracing the farm-to-table philosophy. As we embark on this gastronomic odyssey, let us explore the origins, preparation, and significance of Crayfish and Sorrel Soup, where every bowl tells a tale of tradition, innovation, and a deep connection with the natural world.
For the very best wild food guides check out our wild food and foraging books.
Origins of Crayfish and Sorrel Soup
The soup we now know as Crayfish and Sorrel Soup has its origins in traditional European cuisine, particularly in countries with a strong tradition of using freshwater crayfish in their culinary creations. This dish has roots in various regions across Europe, each adapting the soup to their local ingredients and preferences.
Scandinavia: Crayfish soup is particularly popular in Scandinavia, especially in Sweden and Finland. Known as "Kräftskiva" in Swedish, it is often associated with crayfish parties held in late summer when crayfish are in season. These parties have become a cultural tradition, with friends and family gathering to enjoy crayfish, typically prepared in a dill-flavoured broth. Sorrel may be added to enhance the flavour and add a touch of tartness. Plenty of Vodka is drunk on the side.
France: In French cuisine, crayfish soup is known as "Soupe d'écrevisses" and is a delicacy in some regions, especially in Burgundy. The soup is often enriched with cream and flavoured with herbs like tarragon. Sorrel, with its lemony tang, is sometimes added to provide a unique and refreshing twist to the dish.
Eastern Europe: Crayfish soups are also enjoyed in Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. These versions often feature paprika for a hint of spice and may be served with noodles or dumplings. While sorrel may not be a common addition, variations exist to suit local tastes.
United Kingdom: In the UK, crayfish soup is less common but is often made with a rich, creamy base. Sorrel, with its distinctive sharp flavour, can be added to complement the richness of the dish. This combination creates a unique and refreshing soup that combines the earthiness of crayfish with the brightness of sorrel.
The use of sorrel in crayfish soup adds a zesty, lemony flavour that cuts through the richness of the creamy broth. Sorrel has been used in European cuisine for centuries and is valued for its tangy taste and its potential health benefits.
Click the link to get the very best foraging kit and equipment.
Foraging for Crayfish and Sorrel
Foraging and trapping your own crayfish and sorrel adds a captivating dimension to the culinary experience. Foraging for crayfish often involves exploring freshwater streams, ponds, or rivers, armed with crayfish nets or traps. It's an immersive activity, connecting you with nature as you seek these delectable crustaceans. Similarly, foraging for sorrel is a delightful pursuit, as you venture into meadows and woodlands to gather the lemony, tart leaves. This hands-on approach to sourcing ingredients not only deepens your appreciation for the food you prepare but also allows you to connect with the environment in a meaningful way. Incorporating your freshly caught crayfish and foraged sorrel into a homemade soup elevates the culinary experience to a whole new level, where the journey from nature to plate becomes a rewarding and sustainable culinary adventure.
Click the link to read more on Where to find and how to catch Crayfish in the UK.
Crayfish and Sorrel Soup Recipe
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients:
For the Crayfish Stock:
450g crayfish shells and heads
2 litres water
1 onion, roughly chopped
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup:
30ml olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 leek, white and light green parts, thinly sliced
200g fresh mixed wild sorrel leaves, chopped
240ml dry white wine
1 litre crayfish stock (from above)
240ml double cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (plus a little Wood Sorrel if you have it)
Crayfish tails, cooked and peeled, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Crayfish Stock
Rinse the crayfish shells and heads under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf. Gently fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the crayfish shells and heads to the pot and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in 2 litres of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-45 minutes to extract flavour from the crayfish shells.
Strain the crayfish stock through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. Discard the solids and set the stock aside.
Prepare the Soup
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and sliced leek. Gently fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become translucent.
Stir in the chopped sorrel leaves and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they wilt.
Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the crayfish stock to the pot, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavours.
Before blending, add a few more fresh sorrel leaves, if it isn't green enough for you. Try adding a little fresh parsley or spinach until the desired colour is achieved (the soup should be brilliant green).
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender, but be cautious when blending hot liquids.
Return the soup to the pot and stir in the double cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve the soup
Ladle the crayfish and sorrel soup into bowls.
Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chives, chervil or parsley and, if desired, a few cooked and peeled crayfish tails. Perhaps even a few toasted pumpkin seeds or a swirl of cream if the mood takes you.
Serve the soup hot with crusty buttered bread.
Love cooking crayfish? Click the link to see more delicious crayfish recipes.
Summing up
In conclusion, the journey of creating Crayfish and Sorrel Soup, from foraging and catching your own ingredients to crafting a delectable dish, is a truly enriching and sustainable culinary adventure. The act of venturing into the natural world to source crayfish and sorrel not only connects us with our environment but also deepens our appreciation for the flavours and stories that our food carries. This hands-on approach to cooking allows us to embrace the essence of farm-to-table living, where we become stewards of our own sustenance. As we bring these natural treasures to our kitchen, we transform them into a soup that speaks of tradition and creativity, offering a taste of the land and water from which they originate. In every bowl, there is a story of nature's bounty, a tale of exploration, and a celebration of the vibrant flavours that make our culinary journey all the more rewarding.
Have you visited our Shop? Get the very best books and foraging gear, grow your own wild food and learn to preserve it like a pro. Visit our Wild Food and Foraging Shop now.