Cream of Carrot Soup is a velvety and vibrant dish that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh carrots while providing a comforting and satisfying experience. This soup combines tender carrots with aromatic onions and garlic, all simmered together and pureed to create a smooth and creamy texture. Enhanced with herbs and spices, this soup offers a delightful balance of flavors, making it perfect as a starter or a light meal. Garnished with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this Cream of Carrot Soup is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a beautiful addition to your dining table.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh ginger, grated)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free version)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Carrots and Broth: Add the chopped carrots to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Once the carrots are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
- Add Cream and Season: Return the pureed soup to the pot (if using a blender). Stir in the ground ginger, ground cumin (if using), and heavy cream or coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently over low heat until warmed through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of cream and fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy hot!
This Cream of Carrot Soup is a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness and vibrant color of carrots. It’s a nutritious and comforting dish that’s sure to please anyone looking for a light yet satisfying meal!
