Harvest Apple Cider and Leek Soup
Indulge in this heartwarming Harvest Apple Cider and Leek Soup, a delightful blend of autumn flavors crafted for cozy gatherings and festive dinners. With its vibrant medley of leeks, savory spices, and the rich taste of cheddar cheese, this soup is elevated by a hint of apple cider. Perfect for a chilly day or a comforting appetizer, it's a savory-sweet symphony that will warm your heart and soul.
6
Servings
133
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups (none)
apple cider
1 cup (none)
leeks
2 1/2 cups (thinly sliced, white part only)
celery
1/4 cup (chopped)
green bell peppers
2 tablespoons (chopped)
dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2-3 teaspoons (none)
milk
1/3 cup (none)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
thyme or parsley
finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine vegetable broth, apple cider, sliced leeks, chopped celery, green bell peppers, dried thyme leaves, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
2
Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until the leeks are tender.
3
In a small bowl, mix milk and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken.
4
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
5
Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste.
6
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with finely chopped thyme or parsley for a fresh touch.
7
Optional Variation: Sauté 2 cups of peeled, sliced apples in 1-2 tablespoons of butter for 2 minutes. Add 1/3 cup light brown sugar and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until apples are tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Spoon these apples into the bottom of each bowl before ladling the soup on top.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
11.7g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Apple Cider and Leek Soup?
It is a heartwarming soup featuring a blend of autumn flavors, specifically leeks, savory spices, cheddar cheese, and a hint of apple cider.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are 133 calories per serving.
What is the primary cooking method for this recipe?
The soup is primarily prepared in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook the soup in the slow cooker?
It should be cooked on high for 2 to 3 hours until the leeks are tender.
What type of broth is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of vegetable broth.
How much apple cider is required?
You will need 1 cup of apple cider for this recipe.
How should the leeks be prepared?
Use 2.5 cups of leeks, using the white part only and thinly slicing them.
What cheese is recommended for this soup?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How do you thicken the soup?
Thicken the soup by mixing 1/3 cup milk and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth, then stirring it into the soup for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.
What vegetables are included besides leeks?
The soup includes 1/4 cup of chopped celery and 2 tablespoons of chopped green bell peppers.
What spices are used in the Harvest Apple Cider and Leek Soup?
The savory spices include 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves and 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard.
Is there Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?
Yes, it requires 2 to 3 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Is this soup considered vegetarian?
It can be a vegetarian option if you use a vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce, as it uses vegetable broth.
What are the garnish options?
You can garnish the soup with finely chopped fresh thyme or parsley.
What is the optional apple variation for this soup?
You can sauté 2 cups of sliced apples in butter and brown sugar to spoon into the bottom of the bowls before serving.
How much fat is in a serving of this soup?
One serving contains 7.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 11.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the soup?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
Specific fiber and sugar counts are not provided in the recipe data.
How long do you sauté the apples for the optional topping?
Sauté the apples in butter for 2 minutes, then add brown sugar and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
How much brown sugar is used in the apple variation?
The optional variation uses 1/3 cup of light brown sugar.
Can I season the soup with salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the soup with salt and pepper to your personal taste before serving.
When should the cheese be added?
Add the shredded cheddar cheese after the thickening mixture has been incorporated and stir until completely melted.
Is this soup suitable for festive dinners?
Yes, it is described as being crafted for cozy gatherings and festive autumn dinners.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, autumn, fall recipe, soup, apple cider, and slow cooker.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup is a savory-sweet symphony with tender leeks and a thickened, cheesy base.
Can I use cornstarch directly in the soup?
It is recommended to first mix the cornstarch with milk in a separate small bowl to ensure it is smooth before adding to the soup.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 13 ingredients listed for the main recipe.
Is the apple cider flavor very strong?
The description suggests it provides a 'hint' of apple cider, creating a balanced savory-sweet profile.