'Creamy' Carrot Bisque

Creamy Carrot Bisque Recipe - Vegetarian Soup with Onion, Celery, and Spices

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Creamy Carrot Bisque is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner party. This recipe is easy to make and bursting with flavor, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.

History

Carrot bisque has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in different cultures around the world. The creamy texture and sweet flavor of the carrots make this soup a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 chopped onion
2 chopped stalks of celery
5 cups carrots, cut into 0.13" rounds
4 cups pure water or vegetable stock
1 tsp soy sauce
0.5 tsp dried bouquet garni
0.5 tsp dried basil
1 minced clove of garlic
any other herbs you'd like (for spicy soup, try curry or cumin; for a more savory soup, try parsley, tarragon or dill)

How to prepare

Place all vegetables into a large soup pot with the water or stock.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the soy sauce and herbs.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 10–15 minutes until the carrots are tender.
Remove 1.5 cups of the carrots from the soup and set them aside.
Strain the remaining soup, keeping the broth, and blend the vegetables in a blender or food processor.
Combine the reserved carrots, broth, and puree.
Stir well and bring it to a boil.
Add any other seasonings according to taste.

Variations

Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist.
Stir in some cooked quinoa or lentils for added protein and fiber.
Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more herbs or spices as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Creamy Carrot Bisque with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the vegetables in vegetable stock helps to infuse the soup with flavor.

- Blending the vegetables creates a smooth and creamy texture that is perfect for bisque.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or beef stock instead of vegetable stock for a different flavor profile.

- Swap out the carrots for sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a seasonal twist.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Creamy Carrot Bisque with a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad, a hearty sandwich, or a side of roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Creamy Carrot Bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamy Carrot Bisque contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Carrots are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe is low in fat, with only a small amount coming from the vegetables and vegetable stock. Each serving contains about 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

While this soup is not a significant source of protein, it does contain some from the vegetables and vegetable stock. Each serving provides around 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. This soup is a great way to get a dose of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, be sure to check the ingredients in the vegetable stock to ensure it is allergen-free.

Summary

Creamy Carrot Bisque is a nutritious and delicious soup that is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy meal option for any occasion.

Summary

Creamy Carrot Bisque is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for any occasion. With its smooth texture and sweet flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for 'Creamy' Carrot Bisque. It was a cool autumn day, the leaves were beginning to change colors and there was a crispness in the air that signaled the arrival of my favorite season. I had just finished a long day of work at the local farmer's market, where I had been helping my friend Martha sell her fresh produce.

As I was packing up my things and getting ready to head home, Martha approached me with a handful of bright orange carrots. "These are the last of the season," she said, handing them to me with a smile. "I thought you might like to take them home and make something delicious with them."

I thanked Martha and tucked the carrots into my bag, already brainstorming what I could do with them. Carrot cake, carrot salad, carrot soup - the possibilities were endless. When I got home, I pulled out my trusty recipe box and started flipping through the cards, searching for inspiration.

That's when I found it - a weathered, stained card with the words 'Creamy' Carrot Bisque scrawled across the top in faded ink. I had no idea where the recipe had come from or how long I had it, but something about it called to me. I could almost taste the velvety smoothness of the soup, the warmth of the spices, the sweetness of the carrots.

Excited, I set to work gathering the rest of the ingredients - onions, garlic, ginger, a splash of cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg. As I chopped and sautéed and simmered, the kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of the soup. I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

When it was finally ready, I ladled myself a bowl and took a hesitant sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue, a perfect balance of sweet and savory, creamy and spicy. I couldn't believe I had created something so delicious.

I immediately called Martha to thank her for the carrots and to share my newfound recipe with her. She laughed when I told her about the 'Creamy' Carrot Bisque, saying she had never heard of such a thing. But she promised to give it a try and let me know what she thought.

Over the next few weeks, I made the bisque again and again, tweaking the recipe here and there, adding a pinch more salt or a dash of cayenne. Each time, it was met with rave reviews from friends and family. They all wanted to know where I had learned to make such a delightful dish.

But the truth was, I had no idea. The recipe had simply appeared in my box one day, as if by magic. And yet, it felt like it had always been a part of me, like I had been making 'Creamy' Carrot Bisque for years.

As the years passed, I continued to make the bisque, sharing the recipe with anyone who asked and always making sure to credit Martha for the inspiration. It became a staple at family gatherings and dinner parties, a comfort food that brought warmth and joy to all who tasted it.

And so, that is the story of how I learned to make 'Creamy' Carrot Bisque - a recipe that has become a beloved tradition in my kitchen, passed down through the generations and cherished by all who taste it. And though I may never know where it truly came from, I am grateful for the day I stumbled upon it and for the joy it has brought into my life.