Description
Carrot Tomato Soup is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of carrots with the tanginess of ripe tomatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices for a comforting and healthy meal. The natural sweetness of the carrots balances out the acidity of the tomatoes, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dish, perfect for cold days or light lunches.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the carrots: Add the chopped carrots to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- Blend the soup: Once the carrots are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
- Optional sweetness and creaminess: Taste the soup and, if you prefer a sweeter flavor, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or agave syrup. If you’d like a creamier texture, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip blending the soup or blend just part of it for a mix of smooth and chunky textures.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- For extra flavor, add spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
