Carrot-Dill Bisque with Griddled Croutons

Carrot-Dill Bisque with Griddled Croutons Recipe | Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Carrot-Dill Bisque with Griddled Croutons is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the sweetness of carrots with the earthy flavor of dill, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. The addition of griddled croutons adds a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of the bisque.

History

Carrot-Dill Bisque has its origins in French cuisine, where bisques are known for their creamy texture and rich flavor. The combination of carrots and dill in this recipe adds a unique twist to the traditional bisque, creating a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) carrots, peeled
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
3 minced garlic cloves + 2 whole garlic cloves
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup apple juice
1.5 tsp dried dill
12 slices thinly-sliced baguette
1 cup plain soy milk

How to prepare

Process the carrots in a food processor until finely chopped.
In a large saucepan, heat 1 tsp of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and minced garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened for 5 minutes.
Add the chopped carrots and cook for 3 minutes.
Stir in the broth, apple juice, and dill. Bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the carrots are tender for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the croutons: In a heavy medium skillet, heat the remaining oil.
In batches, cook the baguette slices until toasted, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Remove the croutons from the skillet and rub each slice with the whole garlic.
Season the soup to taste with salt and white pepper.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the soy milk.
In a blender or food processor, purée the soup, in batches if necessary, until smooth.
Serve with the croutons.

Variations

Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.
Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the carrots in a food processor to ensure a smooth texture in the bisque.

- Toasting the baguette slices for the croutons in a skillet adds a delicious crunch to the dish.

- Adjust the seasoning of the soup to taste with salt and white pepper for the perfect balance of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Carrot-Dill Bisque with Griddled Croutons with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to finely chop the carrots for a smooth texture in the bisque.

- Toast the baguette slices in a skillet for crispy and flavorful croutons.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of low-sodium vegetable broth.

- Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for soy milk.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot-Dill Bisque can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Carrot-Dill Bisque with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and a few griddled croutons for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Carrot-Dill Bisque with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Carrot-Dill Bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carrot-Dill Bisque with Griddled Croutons contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Carrot-Dill Bisque is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the main source of carbs coming from the carrots and baguette slices. Carrots are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Fats

This recipe contains a small amount of olive oil, which adds healthy fats to the dish. Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits.

Proteins

Carrot-Dill Bisque is a vegetarian dish that does not contain a significant amount of protein. However, the soy milk used in the recipe adds a small amount of plant-based protein to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K, and potassium. Dill is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy milk, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Carrot-Dill Bisque is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The addition of griddled croutons adds a satisfying crunch to the dish, making it a perfect meal for a cozy night in.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Carrot-Dill Bisque with Griddled Croutons. It was a crisp autumn day, the kind that makes you want to cozy up in the kitchen and whip up something warm and comforting. I had just returned from a farmers market with a bunch of fresh carrots and a bundle of fragrant dill, and I was in the mood to experiment.

I had always been a lover of soups, and the combination of sweet carrots and herby dill sounded like a winning one to me. As I rifled through my collection of cookbooks and recipe cards, I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create my own recipe.

I started by peeling and chopping the carrots, then sautéing them with some onions and garlic until they were soft and fragrant. I added in some vegetable broth, a touch of honey for sweetness, and a generous handful of chopped fresh dill. As the soup simmered on the stove, the aroma filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

But no soup is complete without a little something to munch on top, so I decided to make some griddled croutons to serve alongside. I sliced up a loaf of crusty bread, brushed the slices with olive oil, and toasted them in a hot skillet until they were golden and crispy. The crunch of the croutons would be the perfect contrast to the velvety smoothness of the bisque.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I couldn't help but marvel at how this simple dish had come together. The flavors of the carrots and dill melded together beautifully, creating a soup that was both comforting and refreshing. The griddled croutons added just the right amount of texture and crunch, elevating the dish to something truly special.

As I savored each spoonful, I couldn't help but think back on all the recipes I had collected over the years. Each one had a story behind it, a memory attached to it. Whether it was a dish I had learned from my own mother, a recipe shared by a friend, or something I had discovered on my own, each one had a place in my heart.

And now, this Carrot-Dill Bisque with Griddled Croutons would join the ranks of my favorite recipes, a reminder of that crisp autumn day when inspiration struck and I created something truly delicious. As I finished the last spoonful, I knew that this recipe would be one that I would return to again and again, sharing it with loved ones and passing it down to future generations.

For me, cooking has always been a way to connect with my past, to create new memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And this recipe, with its simple ingredients and complex flavors, was a perfect example of that. As I cleared away the dishes and tidied up the kitchen, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me, knowing that I had created something truly special. And as I settled down with a cup of tea and a good book, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.