Apple, Sage, and Onion Soup With Cheddar-Bacon Croutons

🍏🌿🧅🥣 Apple, Sage, and Onion Soup With Cheddar-Bacon Croutons 🥓🧀

History:
Apple, Sage, and Onion Soup is a delightful twist on traditional onion soup. Its origins are somewhat elusive, but it likely emerged as a fusion of various culinary traditions. Combining the sweetness of apples with the savory flavors of sage and onions creates a harmonious blend that has become a beloved autumn soup.

Components:

1. Apples: You’ll need 4-5 medium-sized apples, preferably a sweet variety like Gala or Honeycrisp.
2. Onions: Two large onions, thinly sliced.
3. Fresh Sage: About 10-12 sage leaves, chopped.
4. Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
5. Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups.
6. Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup for added richness (optional).
7. Salt and Pepper: To taste.

For the Cheddar-Bacon Croutons:

1. Baguette or French bread: Sliced into 1-inch thick rounds.
2. Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, grated.
3. Bacon: 4-6 strips, cooked and crumbled.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.

2. Sauté Onions and Sage: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and chopped sage. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown and the sage becomes fragrant, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Cook the Apples: Add the chopped apples to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the apples are tender.

5. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree it until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave some small pieces of apple and onion.

6. Add Cream (Optional): Stir in the heavy cream if you desire a creamier texture. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Make Cheddar-Bacon Croutons: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Broil until the cheese melts and the edges of the bread turn golden brown.

8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a cheddar-bacon crouton.

Total Time:

• Preparation: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
• Cooking: About 30-40 minutes.
• Total Time: Around 50-70 minutes.

This delightful soup combines the sweet and savory elements of apples, sage, and onions, making it a perfect dish for cozy autumn evenings. Enjoy your meal! 🍲😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple, Sage, and Onion Soup with Cheddar-Bacon Croutons:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories per serving (without heavy cream).
• Protein: 10-12 grams.
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams.
• Dietary Fiber: 5-7 grams.
• Sugars: 25-30 grams (mainly from apples).
• Fat: 15-20 grams.
• Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams.
• Cholesterol: 30-40 milligrams.
• Sodium: 800-1000 milligrams (varies based on broth and seasoning).

Health Information:

1. Fiber: This soup contains a moderate amount of dietary fiber from apples, onions, and whole-grain bread. Fiber helps with digestion and can promote a feeling of fullness.

2. Vitamins: Apples are a good source of vitamin C and dietary antioxidants. Sage adds some vitamins like vitamin K, while onions contribute to vitamin B6 and vitamin C.

3. Minerals: Onions provide minerals like potassium and a small amount of calcium. The broth can add sodium, so be mindful of salt levels.

4. Protein: This soup contains some protein, primarily from the cheese and bacon in the croutons.

5. Calories: The calorie content can vary based on portion size and the addition of heavy cream. Using heavy cream will increase the calorie count.

6. Saturated Fat: The cheddar cheese and bacon croutons can contribute to saturated fat. Consider using lower-fat options if you are concerned about saturated fat intake.

7. Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the type of broth used and any additional salt added during cooking. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium broth.

8. Sugar: The natural sugars in apples contribute to the soup’s sweetness. Be mindful of added sugars in the recipe.

Remember that nutrition values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so it’s essential to adjust them accordingly to meet your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy this delicious soup in moderation as part of a balanced diet.