Carrot-Rice Soup

Carrot-Rice Soup Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Carrot-Rice Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy meal. The combination of carrots, rice, and savory broth creates a hearty and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Carrot-Rice Soup has been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. Carrots have long been used in soups for their sweet and earthy flavor, while rice adds a hearty and filling element to the dish. This recipe has been passed down through generations and continues to be a favorite for many families.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) carrots, peeled and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp margarine
4 cups chicken broth, divided
0.25 tsp dried tarragon leaves
0.25 tsp ground white pepper
2.25 cups cooked rice
0.25 cup light sour cream
Chopped parsley or mint for garnish

How to prepare

Cook carrots and onion in margarine in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion is tender.
Add 2 cups of broth, tarragon, and pepper. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Combine the cooked vegetables and broth in a food processor or blender; process until smooth.
Return the mixture to the saucepan.
Add the remaining 2 cups of broth and rice; heat thoroughly.
Dollop sour cream on each serving of soup.
Garnish with parsley.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Add spices such as cumin or curry powder for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the carrots and onions evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.

- For a creamier soup, blend the vegetables until smooth before adding the rice.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more tarragon or pepper as needed.

- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Carrot-Rice Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the vegetables until they are tender before blending.

- Blend the soup in batches to ensure a smooth consistency.

- Heat the soup thoroughly before serving to ensure it is hot and ready to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter or olive oil instead of margarine.

- Substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier flavor.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot-Rice Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carrot-Rice Soup in a bowl garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or parsley. Drizzle with a swirl of sour cream for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Carrot-Rice Soup with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for added texture.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Carrot-Rice Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Carrot-Rice Soup contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Carrot-Rice Soup is a good source of carbohydrates, with the rice providing a healthy dose of complex carbs. Carbohydrates are essential for energy and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

This soup is low in fat, with only a small amount of margarine used for cooking. The light sour cream adds a creamy texture without adding too much fat.

Proteins

While this soup is not high in protein, the chicken broth provides a small amount of protein. To increase the protein content, you can add cooked chicken or tofu to the soup.

Vitamins and minerals

Carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients used.

Summary

Overall, Carrot-Rice Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins, making it a healthy option for a meal.

Summary

Carrot-Rice Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Carrot-Rice Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare dinner. As she bustled around the stove, stirring pots and chopping vegetables, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the magic she was creating.

On this particular day, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book from a dusty shelf and opened it to a page that was stained and faded with age. "This," she said with a smile, "is a recipe for Carrot-Rice Soup. It's a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation."

I watched intently as she gathered the ingredients - carrots, onions, rice, broth, and a handful of spices. She explained each step to me in detail, showing me how to peel and chop the carrots, sauté the onions until they were golden brown, and simmer everything together until the flavors melded into a delicious soup.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with its warm, comforting aroma, my grandmother regaled me with tales of how she had learned to make this dish. She told me that the recipe had originally come from a dear friend who had traveled to distant lands and brought back a love for exotic spices and flavors.

Over the years, my grandmother had made the recipe her own, adding her own twist to it and perfecting it with each batch she made. She had shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness and begged for the secret behind its incredible taste.

As we sat down to eat that evening, the Carrot-Rice Soup was a revelation. The sweet, earthy flavor of the carrots melded perfectly with the nutty richness of the rice, creating a dish that was both hearty and satisfying. It was a meal that warmed the soul and filled the belly, leaving us all feeling content and happy.

From that day on, Carrot-Rice Soup became a staple in our household. Whenever the weather turned cold or someone was feeling under the weather, my grandmother would whip up a batch of the soup and serve it with a crusty loaf of bread and a dollop of creamy yogurt on top. It was a meal that brought us together, a reminder of the love and care that went into each pot that was made.

As the years went by and I grew older, I too learned to make Carrot-Rice Soup. I honed my skills in the kitchen, perfecting the recipe until it became second nature to me. I added my own touches to it, experimenting with different spices and herbs to create a version that was uniquely mine.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of Carrot-Rice Soup on the stove, I can't help but think back to that day when my grandmother first showed me the recipe. It's a memory that fills me with warmth and nostalgia, a reminder of the love and tradition that has been passed down through the generations.

And as I take a sip of the soup, savoring the rich, complex flavors that I have come to know so well, I am grateful for the lessons my grandmother taught me and the recipes she shared with me. Carrot-Rice Soup will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond we share and the love that sustains us through the years.