Carrot Apple and Ginger Soup

Sweet apples, spicy ginger and carrots pair perfectly in this warm and satisfying soup. The health benefits of apples, carrots and ginger are immense as well.  Use this soup to help build immunity or fight cold and flu bugs. Ginger is especially wonderful for soothing an upset stomach.  

Ingredients:
2 shallots, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound carrots, chopped
1 Gala apple, peeled and chopped
2 to 3 tsp. minced fresh ginger
6 cups organic vegetable broth
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnishes: chopped fresh scalli0ns, freshly ground black pepper
 

Directions: 

Sauté shallots in hot oil in a large saucepan over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in carrots and apple; cook, stirring often, 2 to 4 minutes or until apple is tender. Add ginger, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Stir in broth and zest; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until carrots are tender. Stir in salt, lime juice, and pepper. Blend with an immersion blender or transfer soup to a food processor and blend until smooth.  Top with scallions, and fresh ground pepper.