Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the warm, aromatic embrace of a creamy carrot ginger soup that practically cooks itself! This slow cooker marvel is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that combines the sweet earthiness of carrots with the zesty kick of fresh ginger. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-warming dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by peeling and chopping the carrots into roughly 1-inch pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Peel the fresh ginger root and grate it finely using a microplane or small grater. This will help release the most flavor and ensure even distribution throughout the soup.
- Place all chopped carrots, onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the slow cooker basin. Ensure vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the vegetables, making sure all ingredients are mostly submerged. This will help create a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Allow the soup to cook slowly for 6 hours, which will help develop deep, complex flavors and tenderize the carrots completely.
- After 6 hours, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender in batches.
- Stir in the coconut milk, which will add richness and a subtle tropical note to the soup. Mix thoroughly to incorporate.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning gradually and tasting as you go.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with a swirl of additional coconut milk, fresh chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips
- Choose fresh, vibrant carrots for the most intense flavor - organic carrots can make a significant difference in taste.
- Grate the ginger fresh rather than using pre-ground. The flavor is much more potent and aromatic.
- For an extra smooth texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending if you prefer an absolutely silky consistency.
- If you want to add more depth, consider roasting the carrots and onions for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance their natural sweetness.
- The soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep or future quick dinners.
- For a protein boost, consider adding a can of white beans during the blending process or topping with roasted pumpkin seeds before serving.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end - the slow cooking process can concentrate flavors, so a final salt and pepper adjustment is crucial.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg
