Belarus

BELARUS: Strawberry Kisiel

It’s recommended this is eaten with vanilla ice-cream.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb strawberries
4 cups water
4 Tbsp cornstarch
1 – 1 1/2 cups sugar , to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Puree strawberries with sugar in a blender or food processor. Pour into a pot and heat over medium.
Meanwhile, add a little water to the cornstarch and combine, making a slurry.

Pour cornstarch slurry into the strawberry mixture and heat up, stirring frequently. When the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency, begin to pour in the water, a little at a time. Do not add more water until the previous addition is mixed in evenly or you’ll get lumps. Continue until all of the water is added. Check for sweetness one more time. Add extra sugar if desired.

Heat the mixture until a few bubbles pop to the surface. Leave on the heat for a minute longer and then remove.

Ladle into serving bowls and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it up against the Kisiel (this prevents a skin from forming). Chill for at least an hour.

Serve as is or pour over vanilla ice cream.