Carrot cream soup

Carrot cream soup is a dish that masterfully combines sweet and savory flavors, offering a comforting and nutritious culinary experience. This recipe is not just a simple soup; it is a true poetry of ingredients, where each component plays an essential role in creating a balanced and harmonious taste. Additionally, carrot soup is an ideal option for a healthy meal, packed with vitamins, that can be enjoyed by the whole family or guests at an elegant dinner.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients:
- Carrots: 800 g
- Onion: 200 g
- Butter: 75 g
- Milk: 200 ml
- Egg yolks: 2
- White bread: 150 g (preferably a day old)
- Flour: 50 g
- Bone broth: 1.5 l
- Salt: 20 g (or to taste)

The History of Carrot Cream Soup
Carrot cream soup is a recipe that has gained popularity worldwide due to its versatility. Its origins can be traced back to traditional cuisine, where soups were used as a way to utilize available vegetables and ingredients. With its sweet flavor and creamy texture, carrots have proven to be a staple ingredient in soup preparation, appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits.

Nutritional Benefits
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, essential for eye and skin health. They also contain fiber, which aids digestion, and antioxidants that help protect the body against diseases. This carrot cream soup is not only delicious but also nourishing, making it a suitable choice for anyone looking to adopt a healthy diet.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by peeling the carrots and onion. Cut the carrots into small cubes for even cooking. The onion can be finely chopped to release its flavor more quickly. Cut the white bread into cubes, which will be toasted later.

2. Toasting the Bread
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the bread cubes on a baking tray and drizzle with a little melted butter. Toasting the bread in the oven will give it a crunchy texture, perfect for complementing the soup. Leave it in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden.

3. Preparing the Soup
In a large pot, bring the bone broth to a boil. Add the chopped carrots and onion, and let it simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are very tender. The flavors will meld together, and the soup will gain a remarkable depth.

4. Blending the Soup
Once the vegetables are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it becomes a smooth cream. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, taking care to transfer the soup in small batches.

5. Adding the Cream Ingredients
In a bowl, mix the milk, flour, egg yolks, and salt. This mixture will add extra creaminess to the soup. Stir the mixture into the pureed soup and let it simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.

6. Finishing the Soup
Remove the soup from heat and add the remaining butter. This will provide a rich flavor and a velvety texture. Stir well to melt the butter and incorporate it evenly.

7. Serving
Serve the carrot cream soup hot, garnished with toasted croutons. You can also add a few fresh parsley leaves for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Carrot cream soup pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad or a slice of garlic toast. You can also accompany the dish with a glass of dry white wine or herbal tea, which will complement the subtle flavor of the carrots.

Recipe Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to vary the taste. Additionally, you can enhance the soup with spices like ginger or turmeric for an exotic note.

Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best type of carrot for this soup?
Sweet and crunchy carrots are the best. Choose fresh, medium-sized carrots for the best results.

- Can I substitute the bone broth?
Yes, you can use water or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. The flavor will be lighter, but the soup will still be delicious.

- How can I store the soup?
Carrot cream soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

- Is this soup suitable for vegans?
If you replace the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives (such as vegan butter and almond milk), the soup can be adapted for vegans.

Conclusion
Carrot cream soup is a simple and quick recipe that brings a touch of warmth to cold days. It is an excellent way to add vegetables to your diet and enjoy a healthy dish. With each spoonful, you will savor the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and the final result will be a soup that will impress everyone who tastes it. So, embrace the art of cooking and transform this recipe into a special dish, with a personal touch that makes it unique!