Spicy Apple Soup
This apple soup combines tender cooked apples and aromatics into a smooth, velvety pureé, enhanced by a fiery spice kick and warm cinnamon notes. It boasts a rich, comforting texture with a vibrant, slightly spicy flavor profile that balances sweetness and heat. The final dish is a deep-colored, steaming bowl with a creamy consistency, garnished with a sprinkle of chili flakes or a swirl of cream if desired.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Large saucepan
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 4 large apples peeled, cored and chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes adjust to taste
- 4 cups vegetable or apple cider for cooking and blending
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small chunks, setting them aside on a plate.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic, preparing them for sautéing.
- Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, letting it soften and release a fragrant aroma.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the ground cinnamon and red chili flakes, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices and intensify their aroma.
- Add the chopped apples to the pot, stirring well to coat them with the spice mixture. Sauté for a few minutes until the apples start to soften slightly.
- Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable or apple cider, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the apples are tender and easily mashable.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot, blending until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender and purée until silky, then return it to the saucepan.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed, stirring well to incorporate the flavors.
- Heat the soup gently for a few minutes if needed, allowing the flavors to meld, and then pour into bowls.
- Finish with a sprinkle of red chili flakes or a swirl of cream for an added touch of richness and spice before serving.
