Mary Berry Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking to try something refreshingly different and full of bold flavors, Mary Berry’s chilled curried apple and mint soup is the perfect recipe to dive into!

This dish combines the sweetness of apples with the tangy twist of curry and the cool, refreshing touch of mint, making it a unique blend of flavors that will surely excite your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a light starter for a summer meal or just craving something vibrant and satisfying, this soup is the perfect choice to impress your guests or treat yourself to something a little out of the ordinary.

Mary Berry Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

When preparing Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple and Mint Soup, it’s important to have a good mix of ingredients that balance sweetness, savory depth, and a touch of heat. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. Apples (about 4-6): The apples are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a smooth texture once pureed. It’s best to go for a variety that offers a crisp bite, like Granny Smith or Braeburn, as these contrast well with the curry flavor and won’t turn mushy when cooked.

2. Onions (1 large): The onion adds a rich, savory base to the soup. It will mellow out as it’s sautéed, contributing a subtle depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.

3. Carrots (2 medium): These provide additional natural sweetness and help to thicken the soup, creating a smooth and velvety texture.

4. Potatoes (2 medium): Potatoes add a creamy texture to the soup once blended. They help to give the dish substance without overpowering the apple flavor.

5. Curry Powder (1-2 teaspoons): The curry powder is the key to the soup’s signature spiciness. It gives the dish a fragrant, warm note. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on how bold you want the flavor to be.

6. Vegetable Stock (750 ml): A light vegetable stock brings everything together, providing the soup with the right level of moisture and flavor without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.

7. Fresh Mint Leaves (a small bunch): Mint adds a refreshing, slightly peppery taste to the soup, creating a beautiful contrast against the rich, spiced base. The mint should be used both in the soup itself and as a garnish.

8. Olive Oil or Butter (for sautéing): You’ll need a bit of oil or butter to sauté the onions, carrots, and apples, allowing them to soften and release their natural flavors.

9. Salt and Pepper (to taste): A simple seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper is essential to bring all the flavors together.

10. Greek Yogurt or Creme Fraiche (optional, for serving): Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or creme fraiche on top before serving adds a creamy richness and balances the heat of the curry.

Equipment Needed

To make this chilled curried apple and mint soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools and equipment. Here’s a list to ensure you’re fully prepared:

1. Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot is essential for sautéing the vegetables and simmering the ingredients. The Dutch oven is a great choice because it retains heat well, allowing for even cooking.

2. Blender or Food Processor: Once the soup is cooked and cooled, you’ll need a blender or food processor to puree the soup to a smooth, velvety consistency. A stick blender (immersion blender) works well if you don’t want to transfer the soup to a regular blender.

3. Chopping Board and Sharp Knife: You’ll need a sturdy chopping board and a sharp knife to chop the apples, carrots, onions, and potatoes into small pieces before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly.

4. Ladle: A ladle is useful when transferring the soup from the pot to the blender or to your serving bowls.

5. Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring your curry powder and any spices, a set of measuring spoons is indispensable.

6. Serving Bowls: Finally, you’ll need serving bowls to present the soup once it’s ready. A wide, shallow bowl will showcase the vibrant color of the soup nicely.

7. Refrigerator: Since this is a chilled soup, you’ll need a fridge to allow the soup to cool down and develop its flavors. A covered container for storing it is also useful.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup

Now, let’s walk through the process of making this deliciously unique soup.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and chopping your vegetables. Peel the apples, core them, and chop them into small chunks.

Dice the onion, carrots, and potatoes into similarly small pieces. This helps everything cook at the same rate. Chop the mint leaves, but reserve some for garnishing at the end.

Step 2: Sauté The Vegetables

Heat some olive oil or butter in your large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the carrots, potatoes, and apples to the pot and continue sautéing for another 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and caramelize slightly. This will build a rich base flavor.

Step 3: Add The Spices

Once the vegetables have softened, sprinkle in the curry powder. Stir well, ensuring the vegetables are coated in the spices. Let the curry powder cook for a minute or so to release its fragrant oils and deepen in flavor.

Step 4: Simmer With Stock

Pour in the vegetable stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are completely tender and soft.

Step 5: Blend The Soup

Once the soup has cooled slightly, use a blender or food processor to puree the mixture until it’s smooth and silky. If using a regular blender, you may need to do this in batches. Be cautious of hot splashes if the soup is still warm.

Step 6: Chill The Soup

Once the soup is blended, transfer it to a large bowl or container. Let it cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight if possible). The flavors will meld together beautifully as it chills.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Before serving, give the soup a good stir. Pour it into bowls and garnish with a few fresh mint leaves.

Optionally, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for an extra creamy touch. Serve chilled, and enjoy!.

Expert Tips

1. Choose the Right Apples: Apples like Granny Smiths or Braeburn are ideal because they maintain their structure and tartness even when cooked, offering the perfect balance against the rich curry flavor. Avoid overly sweet varieties like Fuji, which can overpower the soup.

2. Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with one teaspoon of curry powder and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s harder to tone down the spice once it’s too strong.

3. Add a Touch of Sweetness: If the soup ends up being a little too tart or savory for your liking, a teaspoon of honey or a small splash of apple cider vinegar can help balance the flavors beautifully.

4. Cooling the Soup: Don’t rush the chilling process. Let the soup rest in the fridge for at least two hours. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together, creating a more complex and satisfying dish.

5. Texture Perfection: If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you want a smoother result, strain it after blending to remove any fibers from the apples or carrots.

Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple and Mint Soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. The balance between the sweetness of the apples, the savory depth of the vegetables, and the aromatic warmth of the curry is simply divine. With the refreshing mint garnish and a smooth, velvety texture, it makes for a perfect starter or light lunch, especially during warm weather.

This soup is also incredibly versatile; it can be made ahead of time, served at gatherings, or enjoyed as a quick meal for yourself. Whether you’re new to cold soups or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a great way to explore fresh, creative flavors. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to this refreshing, flavorful dish.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup

Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple and Mint Soup is a delightful dish that brings together the sweetness of apples with the warmth of curry, complemented by the fresh, cooling flavor of mint. While the recipe itself is delicious, there are numerous variations you can experiment with to make it suit your preferences or add a unique twist to the dish. Here are a few easy recipe variations you can try:

1. Spicy Kick with Fresh Chili: If you love a bit more heat in your soup, consider adding some fresh red chili or chili flakes. The heat from the chili will balance the sweetness of the apples and the smoothness of the mint, creating a deeper, more complex flavor profile. Start by adding just a small amount, as the spiciness can intensify as it simmers.

2. Adding Coconut Milk for Creaminess: For a rich, velvety texture, you can substitute the stock with coconut milk or add a splash of it toward the end of cooking. Coconut milk pairs beautifully with curry and mint, offering a creamy undertone that contrasts with the crisp freshness of the apple. This variation also lends itself to a slightly more exotic flavor, perfect for a tropical touch.

3. Roasted Apples and Carrots for Added Depth: Instead of using raw apples, try roasting them along with some carrots for a caramelized, roasted flavor. Roasting the vegetables enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the soup. The caramelization brings out a natural richness, and the apple still retains its bright note, creating a soup that’s more robust in flavor.

4. Add Yogurt for Tang: For an added layer of flavor and creaminess, a spoonful of plain yogurt stirred into the soup just before serving can add a tangy contrast to the sweet apples and mint. Greek yogurt works wonderfully for this, as it also provides a thicker texture that can make the soup even more satisfying.

5. Vegetarian or Vegan Variations: If you’re looking to make the soup fully vegan, you can easily swap out any dairy-based products for plant-based alternatives. Instead of cream or yogurt, opt for cashew cream or a non-dairy yogurt. Similarly, ensure the vegetable stock you’re using is plant-based.

6. Herb Variations: While mint is the star herb in this soup, you can add other herbs to modify the flavor. A bit of fresh cilantro or basil can give the soup a slightly different aroma. For a more savory twist, you could even try adding some fresh thyme or rosemary, which would complement the curry spices beautifully.

7. Add Protein with Lentils or Chicken: To make this soup heartier, you could stir in some cooked lentils or shredded chicken. Both of these additions provide protein, turning this light soup into a more substantial meal. If you go the lentil route, red lentils work particularly well because they cook quickly and absorb the soup’s flavors.

8. Smoked Paprika for Smoky Flavor: To give the soup a smoky depth, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika along with the curry powder. The smokiness will provide a lovely contrast to the fresh apple and mint, making the soup more intriguing and satisfying.

By experimenting with these variations, you can tailor the chilled curried apple and mint soup to your tastes or even prepare different versions for a variety of occasions.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

If you’ve made a large batch of Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple and Mint Soup and have some leftovers, there are a few key practices to ensure your soup stays fresh and flavorful for future meals. Here are some tips on how to properly store it:

1. Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool down completely at room temperature before storing it in the fridge. This helps to prevent condensation and ensures that it doesn’t become watery or lose its flavor. Ideally, let it sit out for no more than two hours before refrigerating.

2. Use Airtight Containers: To keep the soup fresh, store it in airtight containers. This prevents the soup from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge and also helps it retain its natural flavors. Glass containers are particularly good at keeping soups fresh, but plastic ones with secure lids also work well.

3. Storage Time: Chilled soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you don’t think you’ll be able to finish it within that time, freezing it is a great option for longer storage.

4. Freezing for Later: To freeze the soup, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to account for expansion. Alternatively, you can freeze individual servings in zip-lock freezer bags, making it easy to thaw and reheat portions as needed. Make sure to label the bags with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove.

5. Reheating Tips: When reheating the soup, be sure to do it over low to medium heat to prevent it from separating or becoming too thick. Stir occasionally as it heats. If it’s too thick after storing, you can add a little water or vegetable stock to thin it out to your desired consistency. If you’ve added yogurt or cream, be cautious when reheating as these ingredients can separate or curdle at high heat. Reheat gently and stir well.

6. Check for Freshness: Before consuming leftover soup, always check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, strange texture, or discoloration. If the soup has been stored properly, however, it should maintain its quality for several days.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your leftover soup remains just as delicious as when you first made it.

What Goes Well With Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup

While Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple and Mint Soup is a star on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the meal even further. Here are some perfect pairings to complement the refreshing, spiced flavor of the soup:

1. Crispy Flatbreads: The light, slightly chewy texture of flatbreads pairs beautifully with the smoothness of the chilled soup. You can opt for simple naan bread or crispy pita for dipping, allowing you to soak up every bit of the flavorful soup. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt on the flatbreads can enhance their flavor.

2. Grilled Chicken Skewers: A side of grilled chicken skewers provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the soup. The smokiness of the grilled chicken pairs well with the curry spices in the soup, creating a balanced meal. Consider marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices like cumin or coriander for an added layer of flavor.

3. Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad is a perfect foil for the richness of the soup. A simple green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette (such as lemon or lime) can add a zesty contrast. You can also toss in some nuts, like toasted almonds or sunflower seeds, for a crunchy texture that complements the smooth soup.

4. Goat Cheese or Feta: A small serving of creamy goat cheese or feta can add richness to the meal. The tanginess of the cheese balances the sweetness of the apples, and its creamy texture contrasts with the cool soup. Serve it as a side or crumble it on top of the soup for added flavor.

5. Crusty Bread: A thick slice of hearty, crusty bread works wonderfully with the soup. Whether it’s a rustic sourdough or a soft baguette, the bread allows you to enjoy the soup in a more comforting, filling way. You could even toast it and spread a bit of butter or olive oil for extra flavor.

6. Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted root vegetables, like sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips, complements the soup’s flavor while adding a more substantial, earthy side. The caramelization from roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, which pairs well with the apple and mint flavors.

7. Chilled White Wine: A light, chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Riesling can be the perfect drink to accompany your soup. The acidity of these wines will help to cut through the richness of the curry and mint, offering a refreshing balance to the meal.

8. Fruit Chutney: A small serving of fruit chutney-particularly mango or apple chutney-can bring out the fruity notes in the soup while adding a slight tang and sweetness. The chutney will also contribute a bit of texture and complexity to each spoonful.

By adding these sides and beverages to the meal, you can create a complete, well-balanced dining experience that complements the chilled curried apple and mint soup perfectly.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple and Mint Soup is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the unexpected yet harmonious pairing of apples, curry, and mint. Whether you’re sticking to the original recipe or experimenting with one of the many variations, this soup offers endless possibilities for customization. Storing leftovers is simple and ensures you can enjoy the soup for several days, while pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the meal even further.

Whether you’re preparing it for a light lunch, a dinner starter, or a refreshing summer dish, this soup is a delightful choice that combines warmth and coolness, sweetness and spice, in the most satisfying way. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own, and most importantly, enjoy the wonderful flavors it brings to your table!

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup?

The key ingredients in Mary Berry’s chilled curried apple and mint soup include apples, onions, curry powder, vegetable stock, fresh mint, and cream. These ingredients combine to create a refreshing, flavorful soup with a balance of sweetness and spice.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. It’s actually ideal to chill it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Just be sure to stir well before serving and add fresh mint as a garnish.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup Vegan?

To make the soup vegan, substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative such as coconut cream, almond cream, or soy cream. Additionally, ensure that the vegetable stock used is vegan-friendly.

Is Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup Spicy?

The soup has a mild curry flavor, but the level of spice can vary depending on the type and amount of curry powder used. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the curry powder or use a mild variety.

What Type Of Apples Are Best For Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup?

For the best flavor, choose tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley apples. These types provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the curry and mint.

Can I Substitute The Fresh Mint In Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup?

If you don’t have fresh mint, you can substitute it with a small amount of dried mint. However, the fresh mint adds a bright and refreshing flavor that is integral to the soup’s profile. If mint is unavailable, you might also try using basil as an alternative herb.

How Should I Serve Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup?

Mary Berry’s chilled curried apple and mint soup is best served cold. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, and for added texture, consider a dollop of cream or yogurt on top. It can be served as an appetizer or a light starter for a meal.

Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup?

While you can freeze the soup, it may alter the texture once thawed due to the high water content of the apples. It’s best to enjoy this soup fresh or after refrigerating for a few hours, rather than freezing it.

What Other Dishes Pair Well With Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with light salads, grilled chicken, or crusty bread. It also complements a variety of Indian-inspired dishes such as biryani or grilled vegetables.

Can I Adjust The Thickness Of Mary Berry’s Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup?

Yes, you can adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less vegetable stock to achieve your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, simply add more stock or water. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer longer to reduce and thicken.