Carrot potato soup

Comforting and simple, this carrot potato soup is a must-make for soup season. It’s economical, easy to throw together with a few basic ingredients, freezes perfectly, and it’s so delicious. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a cozy gathering with friends, this soup will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Flavorful Harmony: The combination of carrots and potatoes creates a naturally sweet and savory flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, this soup fits seamlessly into any meal.
• Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables, this carrot potato soup is low in calories yet high in nutrients.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and store some for later; it maintains its flavor beautifully when frozen.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best carrot potato soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Stirring spoon
• Blender (stand or hand)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Provides ample space for cooking all the ingredients evenly.
• Blender: Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency for the soup without lumps.
• Stirring spoon: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly to enhance flavors.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful carrot potato soup:

• 1 Tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 medium-sized onion, diced (any colour is fine)
• 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
• 1 celery stick, chopped
• 1 lb (450 grams) carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 lb (450 grams) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp dried parsley (optional)
• ⅛ tsp black pepper, plus more to serve
• ½ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
• 2 ½ cups (600ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2-3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Carrot potato soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the diced carrots, potatoes, celery, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 2–3 minutes to enhance their flavors.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Transfer approximately one cup of the soup to your blender. Blend just until smooth; be careful not to over-blend as it is still hot. You can also use an immersion blender if preferred.

Step 5: Combine and Adjust Seasoning

Return the blended portion back into the pot with the remaining soup. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Taste your creation—adjust seasoning if necessary based on your broth’s flavor. Finally, stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Dish out your comforting carrot potato soup into bowls. Top with freshly ground black pepper, extra parsley for garnish, and enjoy with crusty bread!

How to Serve Carrot potato soup

Carrot potato soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or an accompaniment, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Thyme leaves – Add a few fresh thyme leaves to elevate the herbal notes.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough bread – Serve with warm sourdough slices for a hearty pairing.
• Garlic bread – Toasted garlic bread adds a savory touch to each spoonful of soup.

With Cream or Yogurt

• Sour cream – A dollop of sour cream creates a rich contrast against the soup’s flavors.
• Greek yogurt – Use Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy addition that complements the carrots.

With Spices

• Crushed red pepper flakes – For those who like a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
• Cumin powder – A pinch of cumin can add an earthy depth to the soup.

How to Perfect Carrot potato soup

To make your carrot potato soup even better, consider these helpful tips for enhancing its flavor and texture.

• Use fresh vegetables – Fresh carrots and potatoes provide optimal flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust seasoning carefully – Taste as you go to ensure the right balance of salt and herbs.
• Blend partially – Blending only part of the soup maintains some texture while still making it creamy.
• Experiment with spices – Try adding different spices like paprika or curry powder for unique twists.
• Store properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Garnish creatively – Use toppings like toasted seeds or croutons for added crunch and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot potato soup

Pairing side dishes with carrot potato soup can elevate your meal. Here are some perfect options to consider:

1. Garden Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
2. Cheese Toasts – Melty cheese on toast complements the warmth of the soup beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add extra nutrition and flavor.
4. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs makes for a wholesome side.
5. Pita Chips – Crunchy pita chips are great for dipping into the creamy soup.
6. Fruit Platter – A selection of seasonal fruits provides a sweet finish to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carrot potato soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final taste and texture.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your soup properly can result in bland flavor. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking the vegetables for too long can cause them to lose their texture and flavor. Aim for tender but not mushy carrots and potatoes.
• Not blending enough: If you don’t blend the soup enough, it may remain chunky. Blend until you achieve your desired creaminess, but avoid over-blending.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key ingredient in this soup. Choose a low-sodium vegetable broth with good flavor to enhance the dish.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor. Don’t skip the parsley; it elevates the overall taste of the soup.

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to keep your soup fresh.

Freezing Carrot potato soup

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Carrot potato soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is carrot potato soup?

Carrot potato soup is a comforting blend of carrots and potatoes cooked with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a creamy, delicious dish perfect for any season.

How can I customize carrot potato soup?

You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes, or incorporating spices like cumin or paprika for an extra kick.

Can I make carrot potato soup vegan?

Yes! Simply use olive oil instead of butter and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.

How do I store leftover carrot potato soup?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This carrot potato soup is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. It’s perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or vegetables to suit your taste!

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