Carrot cream soup

Carrot Cream Soup: A Comforting and Healthy Delight

Who can resist a warm and creamy soup on a cold winter day? Carrot cream soup is not only a delicious choice but also a nutrient-packed recipe that will bring color and flavor to your plate. With a perfect combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic butter, and a touch of milk, this simple recipe will surely become a family favorite. Get ready to discover the simple steps to make the perfect carrot cream soup, with an intense flavor and a velvety texture.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 800 ml vegetable broth (or 800 ml water with a stock cube)
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- 5 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, peeled and diced
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1/4 celery, diced
- 1/2 parsnip, diced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Sour cream and croutons, for serving

Step by step: Making the carrot cream soup

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling and dicing all the vegetables: carrots, onion, tomato, celery, parsnip, and potato. Make sure to cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking. This step is essential for achieving a smooth-textured cream soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. Then, add the carrots, celery, parsnip, potato, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become slightly soft. This step will enhance the flavors and add depth to the soup.

3. Adding the liquid:
Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the vegetable broth (or water with the stock cube) and the tomato. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This cooking time will allow the vegetables to soften completely, giving the soup a rich flavor.

4. Blending the soup:
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the vegetables until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If using a regular blender, make sure the mixture is cool before transferring it to the blender to avoid accidents.

5. Adding the milk:
Once you have a homogeneous soup, add 1/2 cup of milk, adjusting the amount according to your preferred consistency. Put the soup back on the heat and let it simmer for a few more minutes, stirring constantly. This step will enrich the soup with extra creaminess.

6. Seasoning:
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. It is important to add the seasonings at the end, as the flavor can vary depending on the intensity of the vegetable broth used.

7. Serving:
Before serving, add the fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color. The carrot cream soup is served hot, accompanied by a spoonful of sour cream and crunchy croutons, which add an interesting texture.

Helpful tips for a perfect cream soup

- Choose fresh vegetables: The quality of the ingredients makes all the difference. Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables for better flavor.
- You can add spices: If you want to try a more exotic version, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a bit of sweet paprika to enhance the soup's flavor.
- Vary the ingredients: You can replace carrots with pumpkin or potatoes with beetroot to create a soup with a different color and flavor.
- Store the soup: Carrot cream soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze it, but make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Nutritional benefits

Carrot cream soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, with a high content of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. Additionally, carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants that help protect cells from free radicals. Moreover, the added milk contributes to calcium intake, necessary for healthy bones.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! You can experiment with vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower to create interesting variations.

- Is the soup suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, replace the butter with olive oil and the milk with plant-based milk, such as almond or coconut milk.

- What drinks pair well with the soup?
A dry white wine or chilled green tea could perfectly accompany this warm dish, bringing a pleasant contrast.

Carrot cream soup is not just a simple recipe, but also an excellent way to enrich your diet with vitamin-packed vegetables. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the comfort this soup brings!