Apple soup

Spiced Apple Soup: A Comforting Delight

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of delicate flavors! This apple soup is a refined and comforting dish, perfect for cool days or as a surprise appetizer for a special dinner. With a combination of sweet and tangy flavors, this simple recipe transforms apples into a creamy soup that will delight everyone's taste buds.

A Brief History

Apple soup is not just a dish, but a story of culinary traditions. Throughout history, apples have been associated with prosperity and health. Used in various dishes around the world, apples bring not only a pleasant taste but also a multitude of nutritional benefits. This soup is a wonderful way to integrate fruit into the daily diet, providing both children and adults with a vitamin-rich treat.

Ingredients

- 5-6 tart apples (preferably varieties like Granny Smith or Jonagold)
- 1-1.5 liters of water
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of the apples)
- Juice of one lemon
- 3-4 cloves
- 1-2 sticks of cinnamon
- 200 ml cooking cream
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour

Preparing the Apple Soup

Step 1: Preparing the apples
Start by peeling the apples. Cut them in half, remove the seeds, and then cut each half into small cubes. Make sure the apples are of a tart variety, as this will add a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.

Step 2: Boiling the ingredients
In a large pot, add water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the apple cubes, sugar, cloves, and cinnamon. Here, the aroma will begin to unfold. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples become soft.

Helpful tip: Adding a few drops of lemon juice helps preserve the color of the apples and adds a fresh note to sweet soups.

Step 3: Mixing the cream
While the apples are boiling, take a bowl and mix the cooking cream with the cornstarch or flour. This mixture will help thicken the soup and achieve a creamy texture. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps.

Step 4: Homogenizing the ingredients
Once the apples are cooked, remove about a cup of the soup liquid. Gradually add it to the cream mixture, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Once well combined, pour the mixture back into the pot.

Step 5: Finishing the soup
Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 3-4 minutes. At this stage, you can adjust the taste. If you want a sweeter soup, add more sugar; for a tangier taste, add more lemon juice or a stick of cinnamon.

Step 6: Serving
Once the soup is ready, consider serving it warm, but you can also chill it for a refreshing experience. You can add a few slices of fresh apples or even some toasted nuts on top to add texture and an appealing look.

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. This soup will not only delight your taste buds but also help improve your immune system. Additionally, the cream adds a source of calcium, making this soup a healthy and balanced choice.

Possible Variations

- Apple and pumpkin soup: Add a few cubes of pumpkin to the apple mixture. The subtle flavor of pumpkin will enhance the taste.
- Apple soup with ginger: Add a few slices of fresh ginger during boiling to provide a spicy flavor boost.
- Apple soup with nuts: Add chopped nuts or toasted almonds for a pleasant crunch when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet apples?
While sweet apples can be used, it is recommended to choose tart apples to balance the sweetness of the soup.

- How can I store the soup?
The apple soup will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or savory crackers. You can also serve it alongside a glass of dry white wine or a warm tea for a complete culinary experience.

As we conclude this culinary journey, I hope you find joy in preparing this spiced apple soup. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring smiles to your face. Enjoy!