CHILLED SPICY STRAWBERRY SOUP

CHILLED SPICY STRAWBERRY SOUP image

Categories Apple

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1½ cups)
1 small sweet crisp apple,
such as McIntosh, peeled and
cut into ½-inch pieces
1 teaspoon finely chopped peeled ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon sea salt
Cayenne pepper
1½ pounds strawberries (about 2 pints), hulled
1 teaspoon cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon mint leaves, finely chopped
½ cup water
¼ cup crème fraîche or plain yogurt
¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted

Steps:

1. In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the apple, ginger, cinnamon, salt and a pinch of cayenne. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened, about 10 minutes. 2. In a blender or the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade attachment, combine the apple-onion mixture with the strawberries, cilantro and mint. With the motor running, add the water and puree until smooth. 3. Transfer the soup to a large metal, glass or ceramic bowl and refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours. (If chilling longer, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and use within 3 days.) 4. Divide the soup among 4 bowls. Garnish each serving with a tablespoon of crème fraîche and a tablespoon of toasted almonds. Serve immediately.