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Carrot Soup

Carrot Soup

Warm up on a chilly evening with this easy and comforting carrot soup recipe. Featuring fresh carrots and simple ingredients, this soup delivers a smooth, velvety texture and naturally sweet, earthy flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s nutritious, versatile, and perfect as a light starter or a nourishing main dish. This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, and can be made dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup coconut milk or cream (for dairy-free creaminess)
  • Fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for garnish
  • Pinch of cayenne or 1 teaspoon ginger (for spice)
  • 1/4 cup apple juice or orange juice (to add sweetness)
  • Cooked lentils or beans (for protein boost)
  • Herbs replacement options: rosemary or basil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and chop fresh carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Dice onions and mince garlic to create a fragrant base for your soup.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking gently until soft and translucent without browning to keep the flavors delicate.
  3. Cook the Carrots: Add chopped carrots to the pot and stir well, coating them in the fats and aromatics. Cook for a few minutes to begin softening and marrying the flavors.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in vegetable broth until the carrots are just covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until carrots are tender and easy to pierce with a fork.
  5. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
  6. Season and Finish: Add salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients like coconut milk or fresh herbs. Stir gently to combine and heat through before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh carrots for the best sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Don’t rush the sauté; slowly cooked onions and garlic build the soup’s flavor base.
  • Adjust texture by using broth for a lighter soup or adding cream for a thicker finish.
  • Blend the soup in small batches to avoid spills and achieve smoothness.
  • Taste and season with salt, pepper, or acidity like lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot soup, easy carrot soup, vegan soup, gluten free soup, dairy free soup, healthy soup, comforting soup