Carrot cream soup

Carrot cream soup is a comforting dish, full of color and flavors, that brings a touch of warmth to any day, whether you are in the middle of winter or on a cool spring evening. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for making the most of fresh vegetables and indulging in a healthy meal packed with vitamins and minerals. Additionally, carrot cream soup is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their diet, thanks to its high beta-carotene content, an important antioxidant for eye and skin health.

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

Necessary ingredients:
- 800 ml vegetable broth (or 800 ml water with a stock cube)
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- 5 carrots (approximately 500 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 tomato (optional, for added acidity)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 celery
- 1/2 parsnip
- 1 medium potato
- 1/2 cup milk (to adjust consistency)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Sour cream, for serving
- Croutons, for serving

Preparing the soup:
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Cut the carrots, celery, parsnip, potato, and onion into small cubes. This will help cook the vegetables evenly and quickly. The tomato can be diced, but it is optional, and the garlic should be finely chopped.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the butter and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes or until they become translucent. This will give your soup a wonderful aromatic base.

3. Adding the vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, parsnip, and potato to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. This step will enhance the flavors and prepare the vegetables for boiling.

4. Boiling the soup: Pour the vegetable broth (or water with the stock cube) over the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but not overcooked.

5. Blending the vegetables: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you don't have a blender, you can use a whisk, but it will require more time and effort. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can leave some vegetables whole.

6. Adjusting the consistency: After achieving a cream soup, add 1/2 cup of milk. Mix well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. You can adjust the amount of milk based on how fluid or thick you want the soup to be.

7. Seasoning: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to achieve the desired balance.

8. Serving: Pour the carrot cream soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. You can add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess and crispy croutons for texture.

Useful tips:
- Fresh vegetables: Use fresh vegetables for better flavor. Sweet and crunchy carrots are essential for a delicious soup.
- Vegan option: You can replace the butter with olive oil and the milk with almond or soy milk for a vegan version of this soup.
- Enhancing the flavor: If you want to add a unique note, you can incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or freshly grated ginger while sautéing the vegetables.
- Storing the soup: The soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for a quick meal on busy days.

Perfect pairings:
Carrot cream soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of garlic toast or a fresh green salad. You might also try a glass of dry white wine or a light herbal tea to accompany this comforting meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can experiment with zucchini or sweet potato to diversify the flavors.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a bit of chili pepper or cayenne pepper while sautéing the vegetables for an extra kick.
- Is this soup suitable for children? Yes! It is a mild and healthy soup, perfect for little ones, especially if you adjust the spices.

So, enjoy this carrot cream soup recipe, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your life. Bon appétit!