Apple Soup Recipe

Apple soup? Yes, you read that right! While apples are typically thought of in the context of pies, tarts, or the occasional cider, this unexpected yet delightful dish is something many people overlook. Apple soup blends the natural sweetness and tartness of apples with savory flavors to create a comforting, nourishing meal. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those cool autumn days when you want something a little different but still hearty.

The beauty of apple soup is that it’s incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a starter, a side, or even as a light main dish. Plus, it’s an exciting way to incorporate fresh apples into your cooking repertoire, especially if you’re a fan of both sweet and savory combinations. So, let’s dive into the details of how to make a delicious apple soup that’s guaranteed to impress.

Apple Soup Recipe

This apple soup recipe combines fresh apples with savory elements like onions, garlic, and vegetable broth, creating a smooth and satisfying texture. The key to success is balancing the sweetness of the apples with the richness of the broth and seasoning. You can serve this soup with a dollop of cream or yogurt for an added layer of creaminess, and garnish it with fresh herbs for extra color and flavor.

Ingredients Needed

To make this apple soup, you won’t need much. The ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin cooking:

• Apples (4 medium-sized, preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Carrot (1 medium, peeled and diced)
• Celery stalks (2, chopped)
• Vegetable broth (4 cups; you can substitute with chicken broth if preferred)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons, for sautéing)
• Butter (1 tablespoon, for added richness)
• Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon or 1 sprig)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Heavy cream or plain yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking. Don’t worry-this recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, but the flavor will definitely impress!

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Set them aside.
   • Chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery into fine pieces to ensure they cook evenly and blend well later.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
   • Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
   • Toss in the diced carrot and celery and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and develop some flavor.

3. Add The Apples And Broth

   • Add the chopped apples to the pot, stirring them in with the other vegetables.
   • Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you prefer) and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Season The Soup

   • Add the fresh thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine and bring the soup to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the apples have broken down.

5. Blend The Soup

   • Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprig from the soup. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and velvety. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.

6. Finish The Soup

   • Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter for richness and a velvety texture. For an extra creamy soup, you can also add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of plain yogurt.

7. Taste And Adjust

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s talk a little about the key ingredients in this apple soup recipe and why they’re important:

• Apples: Apples are the star of this dish. Tart varieties like Granny Smith balance perfectly with the savory elements, offering a fresh, fruity taste that’s not too overpowering. Apples are also packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making this soup not just tasty, but nutritious.
• Onions & Garlic: These aromatic veggies are essential for developing the base flavor of the soup. Onions provide sweetness when sautéed, while garlic adds a savory depth.
• Vegetable Broth: The broth serves as the liquid base that carries all the flavors and helps blend the ingredients into a harmonious soup. Vegetable broth, made from simmered vegetables and herbs, adds a rich, savory undertone without overshadowing the apples.
• Carrots and Celery: These two veggies round out the flavor profile and bring additional natural sweetness. Carrots contribute earthiness and a bit of color, while celery adds a mild herbal note that complements the apples.
• Thyme & Bay Leaf: Fresh thyme offers a subtle herbal fragrance that pairs beautifully with the apples, while the bay leaf imparts a savory, almost slightly floral undertone. Both herbs elevate the soup’s flavor complexity.

Expert Tips

• Choosing the right apples: Aim for tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn. These will balance out the sweetness and keep the soup from tasting too sugary. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, Honeycrisp apples are a great choice.
• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth. Alternatively, you can add a little more cooked vegetable or apple and blend to thicken it up.
• Blending tip: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the soup for a full 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse the blender or use a potato masher instead of blending completely.
• Serving suggestions: Serve this soup with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a more substantial meal. A light drizzle of honey on top adds a sweet contrast to the savory soup.

Recipe Variations

There are endless ways you can put your own spin on this apple soup recipe. Here are a few ideas to get creative:

• Add a spicy kick: Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even a few dashes of hot sauce to give your soup some heat and balance the sweetness of the apples.
• Make it creamy: For an ultra-creamy version, swap the butter for a full-fat coconut milk or double up on the heavy cream. This will give the soup a velvety, rich texture.
• Apple and cheese: For a savory twist, grate some sharp cheddar cheese on top or stir it in after blending the soup. The tanginess of the cheddar pairs wonderfully with the apples.
• Apple soup with bacon: Crispy bacon bits can be added to the soup for extra crunch and smokiness, giving it a more complex flavor profile.
• Add root vegetables: You can throw in sweet potatoes or parsnips for an earthy twist. They pair well with the sweetness of the apples and add extra depth to the dish.

Final Words

Apple soup is a truly underrated dish that deserves more attention. Its versatility and ability to balance sweet and savory flavors make it a unique option for various occasions. Whether you’re looking for something light yet comforting or want to experiment with new ingredients, this soup is the perfect canvas for creativity.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity-using just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. So next time you’re wondering what to do with a batch of apples, try making this apple soup and savor the delightful results.