| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 210 | 10g | 6g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 6g | 4g | 1.3g |
There’s something almost magical about a classic soup recipe, the way simple, honest ingredients transform into something completely new and robust. Today, I’m sharing my adoration for a nourishing and vibrant bowl that marries traditional with exotic, the Carrot and Caraway Soup.
Descended from a long line of French cooks, each recipe I craft comes with a pinch of history, a dash of love, and a generous heap of flavor. This soup is no exception. Rooted in my Creole heritage, the ingredients paint a vivid culinary portrait, harnessing the earthy sweetness of carrots and the distinct aroma of caraway seeds to deliver a beautiful, warming blend of flavors.
Similarities and Pairings
The Carrot and Caraway Soup is very reminiscent of a traditional French potage. Simple yet elegant, it embodies health-centered French home cooking at its best. But the addition of caraway seeds gives it a hint of intrigue, akin to the flavor profile you might encounter in a rich, Hungarian goulash. It’s a best-of-both-worlds fusion that works marvelously well.
When thinking about pairing this soup, a crusty, artisan bread comes to mind. Much like the harmony found in French onion soup– served with cheese-topped baguette – the earthy soup finds its perfect companion in a slice of fresh, crispy bread. For those aiming for a full-blown dinner, this soup acts as the perfect starter for dishes like Coq au Vin or Beef Bourguignon.
The Health Connection
Aside from its deliciousness, the Carrot and Caraway Soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Carrots are packed with vitamin A, helping to improve eyesight and overall immune function. Caraway seeds, often overlooked in the spice realm, are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Their addition not only elevates the flavor but additionally provides a respectable boost to your digestive health. Not to mention the vegetable broth, loaded with vitamins and minerals, efficiently takes care of your hydration needs too.
So, let’s harness the magic of simple ingredients and enjoy this delightful blend of timeless culinary traditions and nourishing elements. Let’s warm our hearts and fill our bowls with Carrot and Caraway Soup!
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 pounds carrots, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large potato, peeled and chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Start by melting the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the finely chopped onion. Cook it until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step Two
Next, add the finely chopped carrots and the teaspoon of caraway seeds to the pot. Stir the ingredients together, allowing them to cook for another 5 minutes.
Step Three
Now, pour in the 6 cups of vegetable broth. Also add in the peeled and chopped potato, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Cook until the carrots and potatoes are tender, which should take around 20 to 25 minutes.
Step Four
Once the carrots and potatoes are cooked, blend the soup until it’s smooth. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or you can transfer the soup to a blender or food processor. If you’re using a blender or food processor, make sure to do so in batches, and be cautious of hot soup splashes.
Step Five
When the soup is smooth, stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This will make your soup creamier and richer. Taste the soup again and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
Step Six
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls for serving. Garnish each bowl with some of the chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Carrot and Caraway Soup!
