Ginger Carrot Soup

Recipe by: Myra Goodman | from Food to Live By

Cookstr

Course: Appetizer

Total Time: Under 2 Hours

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by: Shutterstock, stock photo of a similar dish.

The natural sweetness of carrots spiked with orange, ginger, and a whisper of nutmeg makes this soup beautifully delicious. The carrots give the soup a rich, full-bodied texture, as well as a big helping of health-enhancing antioxidants and vitamin A. Whether you enjoy this soup hot or cold, the intense carrot flavor and brilliant orange color will make it memorable.

Yield: Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons canola oil or olive oil
1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped (about ½ cup)
1 piece (3 inches long) fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped (about ¼ cup)
1¼ pounds carrots, sliced ¼-inch thick (about 4 cups)
About 5 cups Shiitake Vegetable Stock or store-bought low-sodium vegetable broth
½ cup fresh orange juice
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Coarse (kosher) salt and freshly ground black pepper
Homemade Crème Fraîche or sour cream, for garnish

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the carrots, stock, and orange juice. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer until the carrots are very tender, about 45 minutes.

3. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup in the saucepan. (Or, let the soup cool slightly, then puree it in a blender or food processor.) If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the pureed soup through a sieve.

4. Add the nutmeg to the soup and season it with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, thin it with some water or more stock.

5. To serve the soup warm, reheat it gently over medium-low heat. To serve the soup chilled, refrigerate it, covered, until cold, at least 6 hours or up to 5 days. Garnish the soup with a spoonful of crème fraîche and a light sprinkle of nutmeg before serving. If desired, you can create a swirl pattern in the soup by dragging the tip of a knife or fork through the crème fraîche in a circular motion.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information includes 1/8 teaspoon of added salt per serving, but does not include Shiitake Vegetable Broth or Homemade Creme Fraiche. For nutritional information on Shittake Vegetable Broth or Homemade Creme Fraiche, please follow the links above.

Calories 143kcal (7%)

Sodium 308mg (13%)

Total Carbohydrate 19g

Fiber 4g

Fat 7g (11%)

Trans Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 1g (3%)

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 0mg (0%)

Sugar 10g

Protein 2g