Curried Apple, Sweet Potato and Stout Soup

Adapted from Curried Turkey, Apple and Sweet Potato Soup.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup golden raisin
• 1 (15 ounce) can stout beer
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  large onion, diced
• 2  granny smith apples, unpeeled, cored and diced
• 1  tablespoon mild curry powder
• 1  tablespoon  fresh gingerroot, finely minced (about a thumb-sized piece)
• 2  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 (15 ounce) cans  low-sodium low-fat chicken broth
• 3⁄4 cup  apple juice or 3⁄4 cup apple cider
• 1  small cinnamon stick (1 inch)
• 1  bay leaf
• 2  tablespoons soy sauce
• 2  medium sweet potatoes, peeled and finely diced
•  salt
•  ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl, soak raisins in beer. Microwave on high 30 seconds. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Saute onion until soft and translucent, 3-5 minutes. Add diced apples and saute until apple softens, 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with curry powder, turn heat to low, cover, and cook 8 minutes. Add ginger and cook 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle with flour and cook 1 minute until the raw taste cooks out. Drain beer into skillet, stirring continuously, then cook 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken stock, apple cider, cinnamon stick, bay leaf and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then add diced sweet potato. Cook 30 minutes, or until sweet potato is tender. Remove and discard cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Process in blender, food processor or with immersion blender until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more apple cider if needed for sweetness.
4. Optional: for a heartier meal, add diced cooked chicken or turkey.