Apple Soup

Angolan Apple Soup Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Angola | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Apple Soup, a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth, is a perfect dish for those chilly days when you crave something comforting yet nutritious. This recipe, with its unique combination of butternut squash, apples, and a hint of spices, offers a creamy texture and a complex flavor profile that is sure to please the palate. Ideal for a cozy dinner or as a sophisticated starter for your next gathering, this soup promises to be a memorable culinary experience.

History

The concept of fruit soups has been around for centuries, with various cultures incorporating local fruits into savory and sweet dishes. Apple Soup, in particular, finds its roots in European cuisine, where apples are abundant and have been used in cooking for millennia. This recipe, with its addition of butternut squash and a medley of spices, is a modern take on traditional apple soups, blending the old with the new to create a dish that is both comforting and contemporary.

Ingredients

Butternut Squash Soup

25 ml of sunflower oil
15 g of butter
1 large onion, chopped
450 g of peeled and cubed butternut squash
200 g of peeled and cubed potato
2 medium eating apples, peeled and cubed
0.5 tsp of ground turmeric
1 tsp of curry powder
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp of ground ginger
750 ml of chicken stock
0.5 tsp of salt
1 bay leaf
A small pinch of sugar
100 ml of milk
25 ml of brandy

How to prepare

To serve:
whipped or soured cream
a little paprika or 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Heat the oil and butter in a large pan, then add the onion and sauté until golden.
Add the squash, potato, apples, and spices. Toss together over low heat for about 2 minutes, until the fruit and vegetables are coated and the aromas of the spices are released.
Add the stock, salt, bay leaf, and sugar. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer gently for about 25 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Allow the mixture to cool until lukewarm, then remove the bay leaf.
Puree the soup in a blender until it is absolutely smooth.
Reheat gently in a clean pan, adding just enough milk to give a medium-thick consistency.
Add the brandy and heat through without boiling.
Ladle the soup into warmed bowls, top each one with a little cream, and dust with paprika or sprinkle with chopped chives.

Variations

For a vegan version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and substitute the dairy products with plant-based alternatives. Adding roasted garlic or caramelized onions can offer a deeper flavor profile. For a spicier kick, include a dash of cayenne pepper or increase the amount of curry powder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, choose a variety of apple that is both sweet and tart. Cooking apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn are excellent choices. Roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the soup can enhance its sweetness and depth of flavor. To achieve a silky-smooth texture, ensure the soup is thoroughly blended and pass it through a sieve if necessary. Adding the brandy at the end of the cooking process helps retain its flavor without the alcohol content.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Apple Soup hot, garnished with a dollop of whipped or soured cream and a sprinkle of paprika or fresh chives for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the soup can bring out its natural sweetness and add a layer of flavor. Blending the soup in batches ensures a smooth consistency, and finishing it with a splash of brandy adds a sophisticated touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If butternut squash is not available, pumpkin or sweet potatoes make excellent substitutes. Leeks can be used in place of onions for a milder taste, and coconut milk can replace dairy milk for a creamier, lactose-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra stock or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in pre-warmed bowls to keep it hot longer. Garnish with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and finely chopped herbs for a touch of elegance. Edible flowers or a sprinkle of edible gold dust can add a festive touch for special occasions.

Pairing Recommendations

This Apple Soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling apple cider complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened, thin it with a little stock or water to reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this Apple Soup contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option for a meal starter or a small dinner when paired with a salad or sandwich.

Carbohydrates

This Apple Soup is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from the butternut squash, potatoes, and apples. A serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, providing energy and dietary fiber which aids in digestion and helps maintain blood sugar levels.

Fats

The soup contains a moderate amount of fats, coming from the sunflower oil, butter, and the optional addition of cream for serving. Each serving has about 10 grams of fat, contributing to the soup's creamy texture and rich flavor while also helping with vitamin absorption.

Proteins

Protein content in this soup is relatively low, with each serving providing about 3 grams of protein. The protein comes from the chicken stock and the milk added towards the end of the cooking process. For a higher protein content, consider serving the soup with a side of grilled chicken or a slice of whole-grain bread.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, thanks to the butternut squash and apples. It also provides a good amount of potassium from the potatoes and various B vitamins from the vegetables and chicken stock. These nutrients support immune function, vision health, and energy production.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe include dairy (butter and milk) and potential gluten in the chicken stock, depending on the brand used. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives, and ensure the chicken stock is gluten-free if necessary.

Summary

Overall, this Apple Soup is a nutritious choice, offering a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a comforting dish that can fit into various dietary preferences with simple adjustments.

Summary

This Apple Soup recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. With its nutritious ingredients and versatile nature, it can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether served as a starter or a light main course, this soup is sure to impress with its comforting warmth and sophisticated flavor profile.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for apple soup. It was a crisp fall day, with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg lingering in the air. I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, when I came across a worn and stained page with the title "Autumn Apple Soup."

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the sweet and savory flavors that would come together in this dish. I knew I had to try it out for myself.

The next day, I ventured out to the local farmer's market to pick up some fresh apples and other ingredients. As I gathered everything I needed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the culinary adventure that lay ahead.

Back in my cozy kitchen, I set to work peeling and chopping the apples, while the fragrant aroma of cinnamon and cloves filled the room. I could hear the gentle simmering of the soup on the stove, and I knew that this recipe was going to be something truly special.

As I took my first spoonful of the apple soup, I was transported back to my childhood, where my own grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for our family. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, her hands moving with practiced precision as she added just the right amount of seasoning and love.

With each bite, I could taste the memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts that had shaped my love for cooking. The velvety texture of the soup, the subtle sweetness of the apples, and the warm spices all blended together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and nourishing.

As I savored each spoonful, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the knowledge and skills that had been passed down to me through generations. My grandmother's recipes had become a part of my own culinary repertoire, each one a treasure trove of flavors and stories that connected me to my past and enriched my present.

I knew that this recipe for apple soup would become a new favorite in my family, a dish that would be shared and enjoyed for years to come. And as I sat at the table, surrounded by loved ones, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment and contentment, knowing that I had honored my grandmother's legacy in the most delicious way possible.

So now, whenever I make this apple soup, I think of my grandmother and the countless hours she spent in the kitchen, creating meals that brought joy and nourishment to those she loved. And I am grateful for the gift of her recipes, which continue to inspire and delight me with each and every bite.