Carrot Raisin Soup

Carrot Raisin Soup Recipe - Healthy Gluten-Free Meal

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Carrot Raisin Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day. This soup is packed with flavor from the sweet carrots, savory onions, and plump raisins. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Carrot Raisin Soup has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Carrots have long been used in soups and stews for their sweet and earthy flavor, while raisins add a touch of sweetness and texture to the dish. This recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish, combining traditional ingredients with a few new flavors to create a unique and delicious soup.

Ingredients

1 tbsp safflower oil
4 grated carrots
1 medium white onion, chopped
4 cups vegetable stock
6 oz (170 g) can tomato paste
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 tsp thyme
0.25 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.5 cup raisins

How to prepare

In a 5 qt (4.73-liter) soup pot, heat the oil. Stir in the carrots and onion, and sauté until tender. Then, add the remaining ingredients, increase the heat, and cover the pot.
When the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Variations

For a creamier soup, you can blend half of the soup in a blender until smooth, then mix it back into the pot.
Add some cooked lentils or chickpeas to the soup for added protein and fiber.
For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the carrots and onions until they are tender to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Simmering the soup for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and complex taste.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less thyme, cumin, and black pepper to customize the flavor of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot Raisin Soup can be served as a light lunch or dinner, accompanied by a side salad or some crusty bread. You can also garnish the soup with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to sauté the carrots and onions until they are tender to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and complex taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have safflower oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil instead.

- You can use chicken or beef stock instead of vegetable stock for a different flavor profile.

- If you don't have raisins, you can use dried apricots or prunes instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot Raisin Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dollop of yogurt, or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation. Serve the soup in a bowl with a slice of crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Carrot Raisin Soup pairs well with a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and grilled meats. You can also serve the soup as a starter before a main course of roasted chicken or baked fish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carrot Raisin Soup contains approximately 150 calories. This makes it a light and healthy option for a meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

Carrot Raisin Soup is a good source of carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams of carbs. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for fueling your daily activities.

Fats

This soup is low in fat, with only 1 gram of fat per serving. The safflower oil used in the recipe adds a small amount of healthy fats to the dish, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

Carrot Raisin Soup is a vegetarian dish that is low in protein, with only 2 grams of protein per serving. To increase the protein content of the soup, you can add some cooked chickpeas or lentils to the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy vision and immune function. Onions are high in vitamin C, which can help to boost your immune system and protect against illness.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, gluten, and nuts. However, if you have a specific allergy or dietary restriction, be sure to check the ingredients list carefully to ensure that the soup is safe for you to consume.

Summary

Overall, Carrot Raisin Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in fat and calories, but high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light and healthy meal that will warm you up on a cold day.

Summary

Carrot Raisin Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with sweet carrots, savory onions, and plump raisins, this soup is sure to warm you up on a cold day. With a rich flavor and a creamy texture, this soup is a comforting and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Carrot Raisin Soup caught my eye. I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about it intrigued me.

I remembered my grandmother telling me stories of her own culinary adventures, of how she had traveled far and wide to learn new recipes and techniques. She had always encouraged me to be adventurous in the kitchen, to try new things and not be afraid to experiment. And so, with her words echoing in my mind, I set out to make the Carrot Raisin Soup.

The recipe called for simple ingredients - carrots, onions, raisins, and a few spices. It seemed easy enough, but as I began to chop the vegetables and sauté them in the pot, I could feel my grandmother's presence beside me, guiding my hand and whispering words of encouragement.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was more than just a recipe - it was a connection to my past, a way to honor my grandmother and all the knowledge she had passed down to me.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I took a hesitant sip, unsure of what to expect. But as the flavors exploded on my tongue - the sweetness of the raisins, the earthiness of the carrots, the warmth of the spices - I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family. As they gathered around the table, I served them each a bowl of the Carrot Raisin Soup. Their initial skepticism quickly turned to delight as they tasted the unique combination of flavors.

My grandmother was beaming with pride as she watched us enjoy the soup. She told us stories of her own culinary adventures, of the people she had met and the recipes she had learned along the way. And as we sat together, savoring each delicious spoonful, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

In the years that followed, I continued to make the Carrot Raisin Soup, each time adding my own twist or variation. Sometimes I would add a dash of curry powder for a spicy kick, or a dollop of yogurt for a creamy finish. But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of it remained the same - a reminder of my grandmother's wisdom and the joy of discovering something new in the kitchen.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that first time I made the Carrot Raisin Soup, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary heritage that has been passed down to me. My grandmother's spirit lives on in every dish I create, and for that, I am truly thankful. And so, I will continue to cook and experiment, to learn and grow, always keeping her memory alive in my heart and in my kitchen.