Curried cream of rice soup with apples

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Melt the butter in a large saucepan and add the onion, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring, until wilted. Add the curry powder and cook, stirring, about one minute.

2. Step 2

   Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme and rice and stir. Bring to the boil and add the chicken broth. Return to the boil and simmer 30 minutes or until rice is quite tender. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.

3. Step 3

   Pour the soup into the container of a food processor or electric blender and blend until smooth.

4. Step 4

   Return the soup to a saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the cream, salt and pepper to taste and apple cubes. Serve piping hot.