Pumpkin-sweet potato soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 medium carrots, peeled, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon curry powder- mild or hot, to taste
Dash of sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 14.5-oz. can pumpkin

1 medium sweet potato, peeled, cubed
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 can coconut milk, to taste

1 large apple, chopped into small pieces (I left the skin on)

Lime zest for garnish

Instructions:

In a heavy soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Add in the chopped carrots and celery, and stir in the spices. Lower heat and gently cook for about 10 minutes, being careful not to brown the onions.

Add in the pumpkin, sweet potato and broth; stir together. Cover and bring to a slow simmer, cooking the soup for about 25-35 minutes until the vegetables are very tender.

Remove from heat, and puree the soup with an immersion hand blender right in the pot; or puree it batches in a blender or food processor.  Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Return the pot to low-medium heat. Add chopped apple. Stir in the coconut milk and blend till smooth.