Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Autumn Harvest Soup?
Creamy Autumn Harvest Soup is a velvety, luxurious meal that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash, pie pumpkin, and apples with savory stocks and warm spices.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include butternut squash, pie pumpkin, apples, vegetable stock, chicken stock, onion, curry powder, and heavy cream.
How should the squash and pumpkin be prepared?
Both the butternut squash and the pie pumpkin should be peeled and cubed into small pieces before cooking.
What type of pumpkin is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using a pie pumpkin for its sweet flavor and smooth texture.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables?
The vegetables and apples should be simmered in the stock for approximately 20 minutes or until they are tender.
How do I make the soup smooth?
Transfer the cooked mixture to a food processor in batches and blend until the soup is completely smooth and creamy.
Can I use a slow cooker for this soup?
Yes, after blending the soup, you can transfer it to a slow cooker to reheat and stir in the final ingredients.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The soup is flavored with curry powder, salt, and a small amount of sugar to balance the tartness of the apples.
Is this soup vegetarian?
This recipe uses both vegetable and chicken stock; however, you can make it fully vegetarian by replacing the chicken stock with more vegetable stock.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, use only vegetable stock and replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk.
How long can I store the leftovers in the refrigerator?
The soup can be safely refrigerated for up to three days.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, the soup can be frozen for later use, making it a great option for meal prep.
What are the suggested garnishes?
The soup is excellent when garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons.
How many apples are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cubed apples.
Why is sugar added to the soup?
Two teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the tartness of the apples and the warmth of the curry powder.
What is the total amount of stock required?
The recipe uses 4 cups of stock in total: 2 cups of vegetable stock and 2 cups of chicken stock.
How much butternut squash is required?
You will need 4 cups of cubed butternut squash.
How much pie pumpkin is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of cubed pie pumpkin.
When do I add the heavy cream?
Stir in the heavy cream after the soup has been blended and returned to the pot or slow cooker for reheating.
How much onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped onion.
Is the soup served hot?
Yes, the soup should be simmered until heated through and served hot.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, it is recommended to taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt or spices as necessary.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to peel and cube the butternut squash, pie pumpkin, and apples, and chop the onion.
Why should I blend the soup in batches?
Blending in batches is safer when handling hot liquids and ensures a more consistent, smooth texture.
When do I add the curry powder?
The curry powder is stirred into the soup during the final reheating stage along with the cream and salt.
Does this soup use fresh pumpkin?
Yes, it uses fresh cubed pie pumpkin, but you can also use decorative fall gourds if they are edible varieties.
What is the texture of the soup?
The texture is described as luxurious, velvety, and creamy.
What should I do after blending the ingredients?
After blending, pour the soup back into a pot to incorporate the cream and seasonings and heat it through.
Can I skip the apples?
While the apples provide a signature tartness, you can omit them, though the flavor profile will change.
How much curry powder is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of curry powder.