Apple Celery Soup with Homemade Croutons

When life gives you lemons make lemonade. When life gives you apples? One of our friends' had visited us and brought a bag of apples. I was overly joyed coz I never get tired of fruits or vegetables. I simply love 'em. I thought of making something with those apples and asked my friends (Facebook) for recipe ideas with apples. Nearly 15 sweet people responded (I honestly didn't expect that much response) with varying ideas. I was really tempted on making Harini's apple bajjis, but postponed the idea having made some deep fried snack only a few days earlier. After having apple milkshake for two days in a row, I really was in the mood for something savory and spicy. And then this soup was born. I also made baked croutons to go with this soup. Never knew making croutons at home was this easy. This combo is simple and delicious but seriously satisfies cravings and hunger.

Ingredients:
Serves - 2 
Apples - chopped - 2 cups - 2 medium sized - peeled and cored
Celery - chopped - 1 cup
Pumpkin - chopped  - 1 cup
Onion - chopped - 1 cup
Garlic cloves - 2
Curry powder - 1 1/2 tsp
Water - 2 cups
Butter - 1 tbsp
Salt - to taste

Method:
Heat butter in a pan and add the chopped onion, garlic and celery. Saute for a couple of minutes and then add the curry powder, apples and pumpkin and saute until soft, about 5 mins. Add 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15 mins. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Scoop out the veggies and blend until smooth. Return to the pot and heat until warm. Serve topped with smooth greek yogurt or sour cream and croutons. Can be served warm or cold.
Note: You may replace butter with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) here in this recipe. But it may be little oily. Celery gives a bite to the soup, and can be skipped if not desired.

My entry to Susan's Black & White Wednesdays

Homemade Seasoned Croutons (Baked)

Adapted from Ina
Ingredients:
French baguette / Ciabatta bread - 6 oz - cubed - a day or two old bread
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) - 2 tbsp
Salt - 1/4 tsp
Italian seasoning - 1/2 tsp (Can substitute with dried oregano)
Method:
Preheat the oven to 350F and line a tray with aluminium foil. Toss all the ingredients together and arrange them in the tray in a single layer. Bake for about 20 mins. Toss the tray once in midway. Just a rough shake would do.

Sending this soul-warming soup to Ramya's ABC series - A for Apple event.


Sending this to Srivalli's Soups and Salads Mela

Sending this to Srivalli's Kid's Delight hosted by Nupur of UK-Rasoi, for the month of April 2012.