Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Apple and Celery Velouté?
It is a sophisticated, velvety smooth soup that blends the natural sweetness of McIntosh apples with fresh celery, aromatic sage, and a hint of clove.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 8 large McIntosh apples or a similar variety that is good for cooking.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian-friendly meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 494 calories.
Is there a lot of fiber in this soup?
Yes, each serving provides 10 grams of dietary fiber.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving, largely from the butter and mascarpone.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The soup is seasoned with fresh sage, a pinch of ground clove, and ground black pepper.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the apples should be peeled and rough chopped before being added to the saucepan.
Can this soup be served cold?
Yes, this versatile velouté can be served warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing treat.
How long does the base of the soup need to simmer?
The apples, celery, and broth should simmer for about 20 minutes until tender.
What equipment is needed to blend the soup?
You can use either an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a standard blender.
What is Brandied Mascarpone?
It is a mixture of 1.5 cups of mascarpone and 2 ounces of brandy used as a luxurious garnish.
How should I garnish the soup?
Garnish each bowl with a fresh sprig of sage and a generous dollop of the Brandied Mascarpone.
What side dish pairs well with this velouté?
It pairs perfectly with Sweet Savory Bread Sticks for a complete dining experience.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to melt butter in a saucepan and sauté the chopped celery and onion for 3-4 minutes.
How much brandy is required?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of brandy.
Is there any protein in this soup?
Yes, each serving contains 4 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the soup?
The soup contains 28 grams of sugar, primarily from the natural sugars in the apples.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter.
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of very finely chopped fresh sage for the best flavor profile.
How long is the final simmer?
After seasoning, the soup should simmer for an additional 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
What size onion should I use?
One medium onion, rough chopped, is required for the base.
Is this a good recipe for the fall season?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a fall and winter soup, making it perfect for cooler weather.
How much celery is needed?
You will need 2 cups of rough chopped celery.
Can I make the Brandied Mascarpone ahead of time?
Yes, once mixed, you should place it back in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Is the soup simmered covered or uncovered?
The instructions specify simmering the apple and celery mixture uncovered for 20 minutes.
Does this recipe contain any sodium info?
The raw data does not specify the exact sodium content, as it depends on the broth and seasoning used.
What makes this soup a 'velouté'?
The name refers to its velvety smooth texture, achieved by pureeing the ingredients and enriching it with mascarpone.