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Spicy Caramelized Apple Soup

This soup combines fresh tart apples cooked down with warm spices and caramelized until tender, then blended with added heat from spices and chili for a fiery twist. The result is a smooth, vibrant red soup with a thick, velvety texture and a balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. It’s perfect for a cozy fall meal with a bold makeover.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Fall
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 small tart apples peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter for caramelizing apples
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 small red chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 4 cups apple cider or vegetable broth
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, for balancing flavors

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Immersion blender

Method
 

  1. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the chopped apples. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are golden and fragrant, about 10 minutes. You’ll hear the gentle sizzling as they caramelize and release sweet aroma.
  2. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and ginger over the apples, stirring well to coat each piece evenly. Let the spices toast slightly until fragrant, about 1 minute, filling the air with warming aromas.
  3. Stir in the red chili flakes, adjusting the amount to your preferred heat level. Cook for another minute, allowing the chili to release its spicy scent.
  4. Pour in the apple cider or vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, until the apples are very tender and the flavors meld together.
  5. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup directly in the pan until smooth and velvety, listening to the hum of the blender and watching the color deepen into a rich red hue.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust the spice level if needed. Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the heat and enhance the natural apple sweetness. Stir well to combine.
  7. Simmer the soup for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld, then remove from heat. The finished soup should be silky, with a vibrant red color and a complex spicy-sweet aroma.
  8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. The warm, spicy aroma and smooth texture make it an inviting autumn favorite.

Notes

Make sure to blend the soup thoroughly for a smooth texture. Adjust spice levels and sweetness according to your taste for the perfect balance. Using an immersion blender helps achieve the silky consistency easily.