Spiced Autumn Soup Recipe

This Spiced Autumn Soup Recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors of the harvest season. It is a fragrant and warming recipe, which calls for orange zest and mild curry powder. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.

Spiced Autumn Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 60 g (2 oz) butter
• 2 large onions, coarsely chopped
• 2 potatoes, coarsely chopped
• 2 carrots, coarsely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• pared zest and juice of 1 orange
• 2 tsp mild curry powder
• 1.8 litres (3 pints) vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 x 400 g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 eating apples, peeled and chopped
• salt and black pepper
• herb croûtes, to serve

How To Make Spiced Autumn Soup

1. Sauté the aromatics: Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and the strips of orange zest. Cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This initial step allows the vegetables to soften and the orange zest to release its aromatic oils into the butter.
2. Toast the spices: Sprinkle the mild curry powder over the buttery vegetables. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Toasting the curry powder in the fat is a professional secret that wakes up the spices and ensures the flavor is deeply integrated into the soup rather than tasting “dusty.”
3. Simmer the base: Pour in the stock and the fresh orange juice, then add the canned tomatoes and the chopped apples. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer gently for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the root vegetables are tender enough to be easily crushed with a spoon.
4. Purée and smooth: Once the simmering time is up, find and discard the large strips of orange zest. Use a food processor or a high-speed blender to purée the soup until it is silky and smooth. If you are using a traditional blender, be sure to work in batches and hold the lid down with a kitchen towel to prevent any steam pressure from causing a mess.
5. Reheat and serve: Return the smooth soup to the rinsed-out pan and bring it back up to a simmer. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the soup while it is piping hot, topped with crunchy herb croûtes for that perfect texture contrast.

Recipe Tips

• How to get the perfect orange flavor: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the orange zest in wide strips. This makes it much easier to fish out before blending so you get the aroma without any bitter chunks.
• Why apples belong in soup: Eating apples provide a subtle, natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the warmth of the curry powder, creating a complex “autumnal” profile.
• Can I use different spices: If you prefer more heat, swap the mild curry powder for a medium or hot variety, or add a pinch of cumin and coriander for a more earthy, Moroccan-inspired vibe.
• How to get a restaurant-quality texture: For the smoothest possible soup, pass the puréed mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any remaining tomato seeds or fibers.

What To Serve With Spiced Autumn Soup?

This Spiced Autumn Soup Recipe is a fragrant, warming main dish that needs a crunchy or savory pairing! Herb Croûtes or Homemade Garlic Croutons are the quintessential choice for adding a satisfying snap to every spoonful. For a balanced meal, a side of Sharp Cheddar Toasties or a simple Apple and Walnut Salad adds a lovely texture that pairs perfectly with the smooth purée! A dollop of Greek Yogurt or a sprinkle of Fresh Chives pairs wonderfully with the zesty orange and warm curry notes.

How To Store Spiced Autumn Soup

• Refrigerate: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and improve after a night in the fridge, making it excellent for meal prep.
• Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Since it is puréed without dairy, the texture remains consistent. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good whisk while reheating on the stove.

Spiced Autumn Soup Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 171
• Total Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 710mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Spiced Autumn Soup Recipe

Recipe by Emily HartwoodCourse: SoupsCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

171

kcal

This Spiced Autumn Soup Recipe is a vibrant and comforting blend of harvest vegetables, sweet apples, and aromatic orange, finished with a warm hint of mild curry.

Ingredients

• 60 g butter

• 2 onions, 2 potatoes, 2 carrots

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

• 2 tsp mild curry powder

• 1.8 litres stock

• 2 cans chopped tomatoes

• 2 apples, peeled and chopped

• Salt and black pepper

Directions

• Melt butter and sauté onions, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and orange zest for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices.
• Add stock, orange juice, tomatoes, and apples; season with salt and pepper.
• Simmer gently for 30 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
• Remove and discard the orange zest strips.
• Blend the soup until smooth, then return to the pan to reheat.
• Serve hot with herb croûtes on top.

Notes

• Sautéing the orange zest in the butter initially is the best way to ensure the citrus oils infuse the entire soup base.
• Choosing a high-quality mild curry powder is the secret to providing warmth and depth without overpowering the delicate apple flavor.
• Puréeing the soup in batches is the most effective way to achieve a professional, silky texture without risking a mess in the kitchen.