Fall is perfect for soup!

 October is almost over and the cool weather has come to stay with us on Cape Cod for a while. It is the perfect time to get out the large pots and our creative minds get to working on new  soup recipes. I am one of those people who just really enjoys making soup. I love to gather ingredients and re-imagine how to put them together in a warm and delicious way. I almost never start with a recipe and believe me it has not always turned out for the best. But it is so awesome when it does come together perfectly. It's like being a mad scientist and a chef rolled into one. After years of my husband saying he liked it and can I make it again, I have learned to write down the ingredients as I go.  
Today was the day I decided to make my first fall soup. I was inspired by a friend coming for a visit who is a vegetarian. I created a simple and delicious spicy root veggie soup with fall inspired spices. It turns out it is terrific with a crusty bread. If you love your animal protein you can also add cubes of ham and it is wonderful.
So without further ado, here is my soup. I hope you enjoy it.

Ingredients

1. 1/4-1/2 sweet yellow onion
2. 1-2 large carrots
3. 1 -2 large parsnips
4. 1/4-1/2 cup Celery tops(may use finely chopped stalk if you wish)
5. 1 tsp Chopped garlic
6. 2 tbls coconut oil
7. 1 firm apple (I used a honey crisp)
8. 1/2 tsp cinnamon
9. 1/4-1/2 tsp ginger powder
10. 1/4-1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
11. Chipolte chili powder to taste
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. 1 1/2-2 cups water(depends on how much broth you like)

As a side note free to alter the spices to you taste.

Directions

1. Cut all veggies(except celery) into large chunks
2. Chop celery tops or stalks into small piece so they sort of melt into the soup)
3. In large pot melt the coconut oil and turn down heat to medium
4. Add celery and onion to the oil and fry up till onion is translucent
5. Add all the other veggies at this time and let the sweet juices get released
6. While the veggies are gently cooking cut up the apple into large chunks
7. Add water and all the spices, salt and pepper to the pot
8. Turn up heat to bring it to a boil then add apple
9. Cook until the veggies are done but not mushy(fork tender)
10. At this point check the spice and add more of what you want, just remember with the chili powder that it gets hotter over time and usually doesn't hit you till after a couple bites.
11. Now enjoy!

I hope you love my soup as much as I did. It made me warm and also the house smells amazing.

​Happy Fall!   Dawn Rosell