| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 160 | 10g | 4g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 5g | 0.50g |
I’ve spent a good deal of time creating and perfecting a variety of recipes, but there’s something special about the Chicory Soup with Crème Fraiche and Chives that really resonates with me. It’s a simpler dish compared to the hefty bison burgers or delectable huckleberry pies that my home of Montana has acquainted me with, but its charm, I’ve found, lies in its simplicity and wholesome flavor.
Beyond Its Flavor – Health Benefits
Beyond the symphony of flavors, this Chicory Soup comes with an impressive array of health benefits which I greatly appreciate. Chicory itself has a unique profile, linked to digestive health, due to its high inulin content, a type of prebiotic fiber. The fiber supports good gut bacteria, aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Combined with the vitamin-infused burst from the orange juice and zest, and the heart-healthy olive oil, this soup is both a delight to the palate and a favor to your health.
The Unexpectedly Perfect Combination
What I particularly love about this recipe is how well these ingredients mingle. The slightly bitter note of chicory beautifully balances with the subtle sweetness of the onion and orange, while the creaminess of crème fraîche rounds it off excellently. The final touch of chives not only adds a little pop of color but also gives a gentle onion-like flavor that matches well with the overall profile of the soup.
This recipe strikes me as incredibly versatile, and can be paired with various dishes. It’s light enough that it can be used as a starter for a heavier main, such as roasted salmon or a sturdy steak. On the other hand, it’s also robust enough, thanks to the chicory and the crème fraîche, to hold its own if you prefer a lighter meal with a crisp green salad.
So there you have it, the Chicory Soup with Crème Fraiche and Chives – a testament to the notion that sometimes, simplicity yields the richest flavors.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicory, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.
Step Two
Add the chopped chicory to the pot, stirring it in with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicory begins to wilt.
Step Three
Pour the vegetable broth, orange juice, and orange zest into the pot with the cooked chicory. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the temperature to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicory is tender.
Step Four
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Five
Remove the soup from heat and allow it to cool slightly before blending it until smooth. You can use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender.
Step Six
Once the soup is blended and smooth, return it to the pot and stir in the crème fraîche until it is fully incorporated.
Step Seven
Serve the chicory soup hot and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped chives.
