| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 123 | 7g | 3g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 5g | 2g | 0.4g |
There’s a special place in my heart for wholesome, vibrant and comforting dishes, and that’s precisely where this Ginger Carrot Soup comes in. The first time I tasted it, I knew instantly that it had earned a spot among my top favorites. But before I delve into the reasons why I adore this recipe, take a moment to feast your eyes on the magnificent bowl of warmth below:
A Culinary Journey Away from the Coast
As someone who hails from Portland, Maine, I’ve always found solace in the robust Atlantic flavors, especially when seafood is involved. But every once in a while, I find exhilaration in stepping outside my maritime comfort zone to explore more earthy delights. Just like this Ginger Carrot Soup, a hearty dish that evokes the beautiful harvest seasons of New England rather than its maritime profile.
Packed with Nutritional Goodness
But this captivating soup is not just about flavors and aromas; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Carrots are famously rich in beta-carotene, a compound that your body transforms into vitamin A, vital for good vision, immune function, and skin health. On the other hand, ginger, a well-celebrated root in traditional medicine, offers its share of health benefits like reducing inflammation and supporting digestion. Plus, the soup brims with the vitamin C content from the apples and orange juice, making it a genuine health elixir.
Take a look at the eight wonderful benefits of carrots and the health benefits of ginger to understand more about the nutritional power this soup can deliver to you.
Pairings and Variations
The Ginger Carrot Soup, given its sweet-savory profile, pairs magnificently with a grilled cheese sandwich or a chunk of rustic bread. If you’re yearning for a wholesome dinner, a serving of this soup alongside a crisp green salad can work magic as well.
Don’t hesitate to experiment too. For instance, for a vegan option, you could skip the heavy cream, or perhaps use coconut cream as a rich, dairy-free alternative. You could also sprinkle in some spices like cumin or turmeric for an extra kick. After all, every recipe is an opportunity for you to express your unique culinary creativity.
To me, amid the thousands of recipes I’ve tried and loved, this Ginger Carrot Soup stands out for its simplicity, rich flavors, and undeniable health benefits. It’s not a dish I’m frequently associated with given my New England seafood background, but it’s a reminder that great cooking is all about exploration, harmony, and balance. Just like in life, isn’t it?
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it starts to turn translucent.
Step Two
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for another minute until everything is well mixed and the spices have heated through.
Step Three
Add the chopped carrots and apples to the pot. Stir well, making sure everything is coated in the oil and spices.
Step Four
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir again. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 – 30 minutes, until the carrots are very soft.
Step Five
Using an immersion blender or stand blender, puree the soup until it is smooth. If using a stand blender, be sure to blend in small batches and be careful, as the soup will be very hot. Return the soup to the pot if you used a stand blender.
Step Six
Stir in the orange juice. If you’d like, add the heavy cream for a creamier, richer soup. Cook for a further 5 minutes on low heat, stirring often.
Step Seven
Serve your delicious Ginger Carrot Soup hot, with crusty bread on the side if desired. Enjoy!
