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 hosting a cozy dinner or just need a quick meal after a long day, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this comforting soup in no time.
• Flavorful and Nourishing: The blend of carrots and potatoes creates a rich, hearty flavor that warms the soul.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup freezes well, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lunch on the go.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to make it uniquely yours.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians while still being packed with nutrients.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Ladle
• Stand blender or hand blender
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking soups as it allows ample space for ingredients to simmer without spilling.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving soup neatly without making a mess.
• Stand blender or hand blender: Essential for achieving that creamy texture by blending part of the soup smoothly.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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 Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, a pinch of salt, and pepper, then sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally. Add the garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the 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: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the broth, bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover with a lid and let it cook for approximately 20 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Once done cooking, turn off the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Transfer approximately one cup of the soup into a stand blender. Blend just until smooth—be cautious as it’s hot! If preferred, use a hand blender instead or skip this step for chunkier texture.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Return the blended portion back into the pot with the rest of the soup. Mix well and taste; adjust seasoning if needed based on your broth’s saltiness. Stir in some freshly chopped parsley.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious carrot potato soup hot with freshly ground black pepper on top, extra parsley if desired, alongside crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Carrot potato soup

Serving carrot potato soup is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your taste. This comforting soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavor and texture.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Loaf: A slice of warm sourdough bread complements the soup’s creaminess, perfect for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery and garlicky notes of garlic bread bring an added layer of flavor that pairs beautifully.

Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, making for a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: The crunchy romaine and creamy dressing provide a satisfying texture alongside the smooth soup.

Toppings

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Croutons: Add some crunchy croutons for texture; they soak up the soup while adding a delightful crunch.

How to Perfect Carrot potato soup

To make sure your carrot potato soup reaches its full potential, consider these tips for enhancing its flavors and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots and potatoes contribute to a more vibrant taste, making the soup more flavorful.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; you might need to add extra salt or herbs based on your broth’s flavor.
• Blend for Creaminess: Blending a portion of the soup adds creaminess without needing heavy cream, keeping it light.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to try different spices like cumin or paprika for an exciting twist on the classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot potato soup

Pairing your carrot potato soup with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that offers gooey cheese and toasted bread, perfect for dipping.
2. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful, savory stuffed peppers make for a filling side that complements the flavors of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition to your meal while enhancing the overall presentation.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad filled with vegetables provides protein and freshness alongside your hearty soup.
5. Pita Chips and Hummus: Crunchy pita chips paired with creamy hummus offer a fun snack-like side that is easy to prepare.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs are a hearty addition that echoes the flavors in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making carrot potato soup, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the final dish’s flavor and texture.

• Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings during cooking.
• Cutting vegetables unevenly: If your carrots and potatoes are not cut uniformly, they will cook at different rates. Aim for similar sizes for even cooking.
• Skipping the blending step: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture. Don’t skip this step unless you prefer a chunky consistency.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth significantly impacts the soup’s taste. Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth or homemade stock for better flavor.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the veggies too long can make them mushy. Watch your cooking times to maintain some texture in the soup.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing Carrot potato soup

• Freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in the container as the soup may expand when frozen.
• Remember to label with the date and contents for future reference.

Reheating Carrot potato soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm throughout, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is carrot potato soup?

Carrot potato soup is a creamy and comforting dish made from simple ingredients like carrots, potatoes, onions, and herbs. It’s perfect for chilly days.

How can I customize carrot potato soup?

You can add spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor. Adding cream or coconut milk can also enhance creaminess.

Can I use other vegetables in carrot potato soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for added sweetness and depth of flavor.

Is carrot potato soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, it freezes well! Just store it appropriately in containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.

How can I make carrot potato soup vegan?

To make it vegan, simply use olive oil instead of butter and ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based without any animal products.

Conclusion

This carrot potato soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to various tastes. You can customize it by adding different spices or vegetables according to what you have on hand. Enjoy this comforting meal any time of year!

---