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 you’re warming up on a chilly evening or serving a cozy meal to friends, this soup fits the bill perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty soup ready in no time.
• Budget-Friendly: Made from common ingredients, this recipe is kind to your wallet.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and store it for those busy days when you need something quick.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of carrots and potatoes creates a rich, comforting flavor that’s sure to please everyone.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, it pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your carrot potato soup, gather the essential tools. Having everything in place will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Blender (stand or hand)
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This is crucial for cooking the vegetables evenly and allowing them to simmer properly.
• Blender: A blender helps achieve that creamy texture that makes this soup so delightful. You can use either a stand blender or an immersion blender based on your preference.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 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

For Seasoning

• 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

For Broth

• 2 ½ cups (600ml) low-sodium vegetable broth

For Garnish

• 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. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the diced carrots, potatoes, celery, herbs, salt, and pepper to the pot. Give everything a good stir. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to enhance their flavors.

Step 3: Simmer

Stir in the vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Blend

Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer approximately 1 cup of the soup to your blender. Blend just until smooth; avoid over-blending as it should still have some texture.

Step 5: Combine

Return the blended portion back into the pot with the remaining soup. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. Taste it now! Adjust seasoning as needed based on your broth’s saltiness. Finally, stir in the fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve hot with freshly ground black pepper on top. Pair with extra parsley and crusty bread for an amazing meal!

How to Serve Carrot potato soup

Carrot potato soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup game.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. A rustic sourdough or whole grain loaf works well to soak up the flavors.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. This adds a burst of color and freshness, complementing the earthy flavors.

With a Side Salad

• Serve alongside a light salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. The crispness balances the creamy texture of the soup.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top adds richness and depth to each bowl. It not only enhances flavor but also presents beautifully.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Offer shredded cheese, like cheddar or feta, on the side for those who enjoy an extra layer of flavor. It melts nicely when stirred into hot soup.

How to Perfect Carrot potato soup

To ensure your carrot potato soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh carrots and potatoes make a significant difference in flavor and texture compared to older ones.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Blend for creaminess: For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup before returning it to the pot; this creates a creamier consistency without using cream.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add additional herbs like dill or basil for unique flavor twists that suit your palate.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage in the fridge or freezer.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot potato soup

Serving carrot potato soup can be enhanced with complementary side dishes that provide balance and variety. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices spread with garlic butter offer an irresistible crunch and flavor.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie, gouda, or cheddar pairs well with the smoothness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or zucchini add texture and nutrition alongside your meal.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing brings bright flavors that contrast nicely.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Baked peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables provide heartiness and can be made ahead of time.
6. Savory Muffins: Savory muffins made with cheese and herbs can serve as a delightful accompaniment to soak up your soup.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs create a satisfying side dish that complements the main course.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness, balancing out the rich flavors of carrot potato soup beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carrot potato soup can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result.

• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking the carrots and potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender but not falling apart.
• Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and herbs.
• Not blending enough: If you don’t blend the soup well, it may be too chunky for some preferences. Blend until smooth for a creamier texture, or use a hand blender for convenience.
• Ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality broth can impact the taste of your soup negatively. Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth for better flavor control.
• Not adjusting consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover carrot potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Carrot potato soup

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carrot potato soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish until steaming hot, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about carrot potato soup.

What is carrot potato soup?

Carrot potato soup is a comforting blend of carrots and potatoes cooked with onions and herbs, creating a deliciously creamy texture.

How can I customize carrot potato soup?

You can add spices like cumin or coriander, incorporate other vegetables like peas or spinach, or even stir in coconut milk for extra creaminess.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a delightful sweetness and unique flavor to your carrot potato soup.

How do I make carrot potato soup vegan?

Simply substitute butter with olive oil and ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based. This keeps the recipe vegan-friendly while maintaining flavor.

Can I serve carrot potato soup cold?

While traditionally served warm, this soup can also be enjoyed chilled as a refreshing summer dish. Just blend until smooth!

Final Thoughts

This carrot potato soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Its simple ingredients allow you to customize it to your taste preferences easily. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner paired with crusty bread, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Try adding different herbs or vegetables for a unique twist!