Dee’s Roasted Carrot Soup: Ingredients, Tips & Variations

Dee’s Roasted Carrot Soup is a delicious and heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any season. Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sweetness, creating a rich and flavorful soup that is both nutritious and satisfying. This recipe has its roots in simple, rustic cooking, yet it’s sophisticated enough to impress guests at a dinner party. With the addition of a few spices and creamy ingredients, this soup transforms into a culinary delight that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

To make Dee’s Roasted Carrot Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Carrots

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chopped carrots on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. This roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and adds depth to the soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base

1. In a large pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

1. Add the roasted carrots to the pot, then pour in the vegetable broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches, blending until smooth.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

1. Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. If the soup is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
2. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

Tips and Variations

• Balancing Sweetness: If you find the soup too sweet, you can balance the flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice or a small amount of vinegar. This will add a touch of acidity that complements the sweetness of the roasted carrots.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Make it Creamier: For an even creamier soup, substitute half of the coconut milk with heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or bell peppers to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
• Protein Boost: Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans to the soup for a protein boost.

Nutritional Information

Here is the basic nutritional information per serving of Dee’s Roasted Carrot Soup:

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 540mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Dee’s Roasted Carrot Soup is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a nourishing meal that provides a good balance of vitamins and minerals. The process of roasting the carrots enhances their natural flavors, creating a soup that is both sweet and savory. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of soup on a cold day or a light and healthy starter for a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.