Autumn's Delight: Curried Apple and Onion Soup 🍂🍎🌿
As the leaves transform into hues of gold and the air takes on a crisp embrace, the enchantment of autumn settles in. Amidst the rustling leaves, I spent yesterday gathering ripe apples from my trees, crafting them into a luscious Armagnac-scented applesauce and a simple yet delightful pie filling.
In the spirit of the coming festival season, I also prepared a Wassail base, tucked away in the freezer, awaiting the Winter Solstice's arrival. Then there's apple soup—a true gem that captures the essence of fall in a single steaming bowlful and today, I can't resist sharing this cherished recipe with you.
Curried Apple and Onion Soup embodies the heart of autumn, harmonizing a symphony of flavors that pay homage to the harvest. Picture a warm loaf of freshly baked bread, generously adorned with herb-infused butter, accompanied by a crisp green salad. And what better companion for this bewitching soup than a glass of fine hard cider, the sweet tang of apples resonating in harmony with the season's spirit. Just so you know, in the absence of apples, you can make this soup with canned pumpkin, butternut squash or sweet potato and it will be absolutely delicious.
Curried Apple and Onion Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
- 1/4 cup of Armagnac
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for garnish
- Shredded smoked gouda or Jarlsberg cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. In your favorite "cauldron," let the butter melt or the olive oil warm over medium heat. Saute the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, filling the air with its sweet aroma—about 5 minutes.
2. Introduce the chopped apples and Armagnac to this aromatic pot, allowing them to waltz alongside the fragrant onions for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Add the curry powder, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Let these spices dance together for a minute, weaving their captivating scents into the soup.
4. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and the apple juice and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the apples become tender.
5. Puree the soup until it becomes velvety. Whether you use an immersion blender or a regular one, blend it with reverence. After all, soup is a fine testament to the bounty of nature, sustaining us year after year, and the humble apple with all of its uses stands as a fine example of that magic. I regularly thank our lucky stars for whomever created the first pot of soup!
6. Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, according to your desire. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, melting the flavors into a blend of autumnal indulgence.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper, finding the balance that resonates with your palate. Remember, if your curry powder has already woven a thread of saltiness, tread lightly!
8. Ladle this soup into your favorite bowls, and garnish it with fresh parsley, chives, or thyme—tiny bursts of color and flavor adding a final, enchanting touch. For an added layer of delight, consider the shredded smoked gouda or Jarlsberg cheese, inviting your senses to enjoy the different flavors and textures. Should you desire something heartier, a touch of shredded rotisserie chicken or slices of sautéed apple and sage chicken sausage will bring forward a richer experience.
As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the world in golden hues, and the whispers of autumn fill the air, I invite you to savor each spoonful of this curried apple and onion soup. The sweet symphony of apple, the gentle warmth of spices, and the earthy embrace of herbs come together in perfect harmony. Gather by a cozy fire, cradle a mug of steaming hard cider, and relish the joy of a lovingly prepared meal—this is autumn's magic, alive for us in every delightful bite. 🌟🍂🍏
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