Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup

Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup is a warming and vibrant dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a kick of spice for a perfect balance of flavors. This creamy, comforting soup is made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, allowing the flavors to develop quickly while retaining the bright color and nutrients of the carrots. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or as an elegant starter, this soup is sure to satisfy with its rich, velvety texture and the subtle heat that lingers with each spoonful. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt for added richness.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Carrots and Broth: Add the chopped carrots to the Instant Pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.
4. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the Instant Pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth. Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy the warming, spicy goodness of this easy Instant Pot carrot soup!