Warm up your kitchen with the delightful aroma of our Cream of Carrot Soup, a comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a velvety masterpiece! Perfect for chilly evenings or as a starter for a special dinner, this soup is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick 40 minutes of your time, you can create a bowl of pure bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and peeling the carrots, then chopping them into uniform pieces approximately 1-inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Add the chopped carrots to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic, allowing them to slightly caramelize for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring that the carrots are completely covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the carrots are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender in batches and blend until completely smooth.
- Return the puréed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Warm the soup over low heat, being careful not to let it boil.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or croutons if desired.
Tips
- Uniform Chopping: Ensure your carrots are chopped into uniform 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly and blend smoothly for that perfect creamy texture.
- Sautéing: Don’t rush the sautéing process! Allow the onions to become translucent and soft to build a flavorful base for your soup.
- Garlic Timing: Add the minced garlic just after the onions are ready, and watch it closely. Garlic can burn quickly, so stir constantly for that aromatic boost without the bitterness.
- Blending: For the smoothest soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If using a standard blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches to avoid splatters.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream at the end, and warm the soup gently. This keeps the cream from curdling and enhances the soup's rich, silky texture.
- Seasoning: Always taste before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, and don’t hesitate to add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Serve with crusty bread or croutons for a satisfying meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 65mg
