| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 16g | 8g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 6g | 0.7g |
Wrapped in the vivid flavors and vibrant colors of my beloved Brazilian Pepper-spiced Carrot Soup, I am reminded of my roots in Montana. Nourishing and vibrant, this dish pays homage to my upbringing where food was not merely sustenance, but a spiritual experience of communion with nature and heritage.
A Taste of Cultural Merger
Each spoonful of this soup is an exploratory jaunt through heritage and history. The robust Brazilian pepper, known to the locals as pimenta de neyde, adds an exotic warmth reminiscent of South American culture, while the humble carrot keeps it rooted in the familiar and comforting. The result is a melting pot of flavors that marry rancher simplicity with Native American earthiness, much like my own culinary inspirations.
The Holistic Goodness
While my heart cherishes this recipe for its rich taste profile, my mind loves it for the abundance of health benefits it offers. Carrots, heralded for their beta carotene content, are known to boost eyes’ health, while bell peppers deliver a hefty dose of antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C. The inclusion of fiber-rich onions, garlic, and broth add to the dietary fiber, providing digestive benefits as well.
The wisdom doesn’t stop there; the addition of Brazilian pepper comes with its own collection of health perks. Pepper has been celebrated since ancient times for its medicinal properties and is known to enhance nutrient absorption, among other advantages.
Complementing and Complemented
In its simplicity lies maximum versatility. Brazilian Pepper-spiced Carrot Soup is a delicacy that defines itself and yet adapts to the company. I often find it blending beautifully with rustic bread or a lean cut of venison steak. Sometimes, a slice of freshly baked huckleberry pie, my personal favorite, completes the meal providing the sweet closure it deserves.
I have always believed in the interconnectedness of food, culture, and stories. In each recipe, we stir in elements of us and the world around us—the Brazilian Pepper-spiced Carrot Soup is no different. Whether savored on a quiet, pensive evening or shared amidst joyous laughter and stories, every sip is a story in itself, waiting to be loved, and retold.
What You’ll Need
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 can of coconut milk (13.5 fl oz)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Brazilian pepper
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh coriander for garnish
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
Method
Step One
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become transparent and the peppers are tender.
Step Two
Add the chopped carrots into the pot and mix it properly with the sautéed onion and peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until the carrots become tender.
Step Three
Stir in the Brazilian pepper, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another couple of minutes until the spices are well incorporated into the vegetable mix.
Step Four
Add the vegetable broth into the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are very soft and easily crushable.
Step Five
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can also carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend it in batches.
Step Six
After blending the soup to a smooth texture, return the pot to the heat. Stir in the coconut milk and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavours to blend in together.
Step Seven
Few seconds before turning off the heat, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the soup and stir to combine.
Step Eight
Check the soup for seasoning, adjust if necessary. Once ready, serve it in bowls, garnish with some chopped fresh coriander and enjoy this flavorful and comforting Brazilian Pepper-spiced Carrot Soup.
