Creamy Carrot Soup with a French Twist

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) carrots, peeled and chopped 1 kg (2.2 lbs) carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped carrots to the pot and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
4. 4.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, purée the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Return the puréed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through, but do not boil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Creamy Carrot Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Carrots — Choose fresh and firm carrots for the best flavor. If possible, opt for organic carrots to ensure a more natural taste.
• Heavy cream — Use high-quality heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture. If desired, you can substitute it with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or vegetable broth.
• Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of crème fraîche for an extra touch of elegance.
• To add a hint of spice, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or paprika on top before serving.
• Serve the soup with crusty French bread or croutons for a satisfying crunch.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Carrot Soup as a starter for a French-inspired dinner or as a light lunch accompanied by a fresh salad. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

Present the Creamy Carrot Soup in elegant bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley. For an added touch, serve it with a side of warm crusty bread or a breadstick.