Curried Carrot & Apple Soup

As the weather cools, this Curried Carrot and Apple Soup brings comfort in a bowl with its velvety texture, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness. The combination of carrots, tart apples, and fragrant curry makes this soup both nourishing and delicious. It’s the perfect soup recipe to cozy up with on a crisp fall day or to serve as a starter for an elegant dinner.

What makes this savory soup stand out is its balance of flavors – earthy carrots meet the tang of Granny Smith apples, all rounded out by the subtle heat and depth of curry flavor. Finished with a touch of half and half for creaminess, this soup is rich yet light, and easy enough for weeknight cooking while still impressive enough for guests.

Heather’s Notes

• Vibrant flavor combo: The sweet carrots and tart apples perfectly balance the savory notes of curry for a deliciously layered flavor.
• Silky texture: Pureeing the soup creates a smooth, velvety consistency that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Simple pantry ingredients: Most of what you need is likely already in your kitchen, onions, garlic, curry, and stock.
• Make-ahead friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
• Customizable: Easily adapt to dietary needs or preferences, make it vegan, spicier, or extra creamy.

Ingredient List

• Yellow Onion: A key flavor base that adds subtle sweetness and depth to the soup. Sautéing the medium onion first builds the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
• Garlic: Just a few garlic cloves enhance the savory backbone of this soup, balancing the sweetness of the carrots and apples.
• Granny Smith Apple: These tart green apples cut through the richness of the curry and cream, adding brightness and a delicate fruity note that pairs perfectly with carrots.
• Carrots: The star ingredient. Carrots bring natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue while creating the silky texture that defines this soup.
• Yellow Curry Powder: A spice blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and other spices that lends warmth and complexity. This curry spice has earthy notes harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots and apple.
• Chicken Stock: Provides the perfect savory backdrop that brings the flavors together. You can use homemade or store-bought chicken broth, just make sure it’s good quality for the best taste.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the carrots, while black pepper adds a gentle kick.
• Half and Half: The finishing touch that adds creaminess without making the soup too heavy. It rounds out the curry’s heat and ties all the flavors together.

Subs & Variations

• Make it vegan: Swap chicken stock for vegetable broth and use coconut milk instead of half and half for a dairy-free twist.
• Add extra spice: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Boost the creaminess: For a richer texture, substitute heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
• Use different apples: If you don’t have Granny Smiths, try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter version.
• Add protein: Top with shredded chicken or chickpeas to make it a more filling main course.

How to Make Carrot Soup

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter or heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the curry and vegetables: Stir in the yellow curry powder and toast it lightly for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Add the chopped carrots and apple, stirring to coat them in the spices.
3. Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the carrots are tender — about 20 minutes.
4. Blend: Remove from heat and carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
5. Finish with cream: Stir in the half and half and adjust seasoning as needed. Reheat gently over low heat (do not boil) until warmed through.
6. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Storing

• Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick, healthy lunch later.
• Refrigerate: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of stock or cream to restore its silky texture.

FAQs

More Simple Soups to Try

• Split Pea Soup
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup
• Creamy Sweet Potato Soup
• Creamy Chipotle Tomato Soup
• Chilled Pea Soup with Goat Cheese Croutons

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