Carrot cream soup (orange soup)

Carrot cream soup - an orange delicacy that will bring a touch of warmth to every meal! This simple and quick recipe is perfect for chilly days, and its sweet aroma and velvety texture make it a true culinary treat. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this soup will give you the satisfaction of preparing a delicious, healthy, and comforting dish.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 large carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium potato
- 1 parsnip
- 50 g celery (about one stalk)
- 250 ml tomato broth
- 2-3 tablespoons ketchup (for extra sweetness and color)
- 50 g butter (about a walnut)
- 50 ml milk (ideally boiled)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (for a more aromatic taste)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (helps balance the flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A few spinach or parsley leaves for decoration

Preparing the carrot cream soup:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by peeling and washing all the vegetables. Cut the carrots, onion, potato, parsnip, and celery into large pieces. Don’t worry about their size, as they will be blended later.

2. Boiling the vegetables: Place the chopped vegetables in a large pot and add 2 liters of cold water. Sprinkle a little salt to enhance the flavor of the vegetables. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 25 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a rich flavor, so don’t rush!

3. Adding the broth: After 25 minutes, add the tomato broth. This will give the soup a vibrant hue and a delicious taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.

4. Blending the vegetables: Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Add the butter, boiled milk, ketchup, and sugar. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree everything until you achieve a smooth texture. Here you can adjust the consistency of the soup with water or milk if you want a thinner soup.

5. Adjusting the flavor: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you feel it needs more sweetness, you can add a little sugar or ketchup. These small adjustments will make a difference in the final taste.

6. Serving: When the soup is ready, pour it into deep plates. For a touch of freshness and an elegant look, garnish each serving with a green spinach or parsley leaf.

Useful tips:
- Choosing ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables, as they will bring more flavor to your soup. Sweet, juicy carrots are essential for a delicious soup.
- Enjoy variations: You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to experiment with flavors. By replacing milk with cream, you will achieve an even richer cream.
- Pair with: This soup pairs wonderfully with crispy croutons or a slice of toasted bread. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional information:
This carrot cream soup is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A from carrots, which is essential for eye health. It also contains fiber that aids digestion and has a low caloric content, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a quick dinner. Approximately, one serving has between 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil and butter used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are a quick and convenient alternative, but the taste will be slightly different. Make sure they are of good quality.
- How can I make the soup spicy? Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes during boiling to get a spicy note.
- Can the soup be stored? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it, but it is recommended not to boil it again to avoid altering the texture.

Carrot cream soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary journey where each ingredient contributes its unique touch. I invite you to enjoy this warm and comforting dish, perfect to be savored with loved ones! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends to spread the joy of cooking and family meals. Enjoy your meal!