Carrot cream soup with oranges

Carrot and Orange Cream Soup - a surprising combination of flavors that blends the natural sweetness of carrots with the freshness of citrus. This recipe not only provides comfort on chilly days but is also a rich source of vitamin C, perfect for boosting the immune system. I will show you how to prepare this delicious soup step by step, ensuring that the final result is not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 1 L vegetable broth (you can use a Knorr cube if you don't have homemade vegetable broth)
- 4-5 large carrots
- 3 medium potatoes
- Juice from one small orange
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Soup Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing and peeling the carrots and potatoes. Cut the carrots into rounds and the potatoes into suitable cubes. These sizes will help the vegetables cook evenly and quickly. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand to make the cooking process smoother.

2. Boiling the vegetables
In a large pot, add 1 L of water and wait for it to reach boiling point. Once the water starts to boil, add the Knorr cube (if using) and the chopped vegetables. Let them boil for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are soft enough to be pierced with a fork.

3. Blending the vegetables
After the vegetables are cooked, remove them with a spatula into a bowl, keeping the cooking liquid. Now comes the fun part – blending! Add the cooked vegetables into a blender or use an immersion blender. Add the freshly squeezed orange juice and blend until you achieve a smooth cream.

4. Adjusting the consistency
To achieve the desired consistency, gradually pour in the vegetable broth in which the carrots and potatoes cooked, stirring continuously. You can adjust the amount of broth depending on how you prefer the soup – thicker or thinner.

5. Seasoning
Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can taste the cream to ensure that the flavors are balanced.

Serving the soup
Once the soup is ready, pour it into bowls and add a spoonful of sour cream on top. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness. This carrot and orange cream soup can be served warm, but if you prefer, you can let it cool slightly and serve it at room temperature.

Helpful tips
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as celery or pumpkin, to enrich the soup's flavor.
- Sweetening: If you prefer a sweeter soup, you can add a teaspoon of honey along with the orange juice.
- Serving: This soup pairs wonderfully with toasted bread croutons or a fresh green salad on the side.

Nutritional benefits
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, contributing to eye and skin health. Oranges add an extra boost of vitamin C, essential for a strong immune system. This soup is not only nourishing but also filling, making it ideal for a light meal or as an appetizer.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Of course! Frozen vegetables are a convenient alternative, but make sure to boil them a little longer to soften.

2. How can I turn this recipe into a main dish?
Add some slices of cooked chicken or tofu to transform the soup into a hearty main dish.

3. What drinks pair well with this soup?
A dry white wine or herbal tea are excellent choices to accompany this soup.

Final notes
Carrot and orange cream soup is not just a culinary delight but also a way to experiment with unusual flavors. This simple and quick recipe will surely become a favorite in your household, providing not only taste satisfaction but also a touch of health. Don't hesitate to share this recipe with friends or adapt it to your personal preferences. Enjoy your meal!