This Carrot Ginger Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s creamy, sweet, and has just the right zing from ginger. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
I love enjoying this soup with some crusty bread. It warms me up on chilly days. You can even top it with a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: They are the star of this soup, offering a naturally sweet flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with sweet potatoes for a different twist.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a nice kick. If you don’t have fresh, ground ginger can be used, but start with less, about half a teaspoon, as it’s more concentrated.
Coconut milk: This gives the soup a creamy texture. For a lighter option, consider unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Vegetable broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine. You can use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version for added depth.
Pumpkin seeds: These add a nice crunch. You can swap them with sunflower seeds or even toasted nuts for a different texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Smooth and Creamy?
A key step in achieving a silky texture is blending the soup well. Here’s how:
- After cooking the carrots until tender, let the soup cool slightly before blending.
- If using a blender, blend in batches. Fill the blender only halfway to avoid overflow.
- Using an immersion blender allows you to blend directly in the pot; just be cautious and move it around to ensure an even blend.
- Blend until completely smooth – this may take a couple of minutes to get rid of any chunks.
Don’t skip on stirring in the coconut milk after blending; this enhances the creaminess!
Delicious Carrot Ginger Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pumpkin seeds for garnish
- Thinly sliced green onions or chives for garnish
- Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, including blending and garnishing your delicious soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent—this should take about 5 minutes. The softening onion will kick-start the flavor of your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook these together for about a minute until they are fragrant but be careful not to burn them.
3. Cook the Carrots:
Now, stir in the chopped carrots. Allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes, just enough to begin softening them before adding the liquid.
4. Add Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the carrots are tender—this should take about 20 minutes.
5. Blend Until Smooth:
After the carrots are tender, take the pot off the heat. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup right in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy. If you’re using a traditional blender, carefully blend it in batches, ensuring the lid is covered with a towel to allow steam to escape.
6. Add Coconut Milk:
Stir in the coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup needs warming, place it back on low heat just until heated through.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls. For an attractive finishing touch, add a swirl of coconut milk, sprinkle on those pumpkin seeds, and top with sliced green onions or chives. Optional herbs can also add a fresh touch!
8. Enjoy Your Creation!
Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or your preferred accompaniment. Enjoy the cozy warmth of this delightful Carrot Ginger Soup!
Can I Use Canned Carrots Instead of Fresh?
While fresh carrots provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned carrots in a pinch. Just drain and rinse them, then add them in the last 10 minutes of simmering to heat through.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
If you like a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper when you sauté the garlic and ginger. Alternatively, a dash of red pepper flakes can also give it a nice bite!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk if it appears too thick.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
