Karotosoupa Recipe: A Vegetarian Dish from Greece

Karotosoupa

Karotosoupa Recipe: A Vegetarian Dish from Greece
Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Karotosoupa
Karotosoupa

Karotosoupa, also known as Greek carrot soup, is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the carrots and onions, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

History

Karotosoupa has been a traditional Greek dish for many years, often served as a starter or side dish. The combination of carrots and onions in a creamy soup has been a favorite among Greek families for generations.

Ingredients

Optionally

How to prepare

  1. Peel and grate the carrots.
  2. Place the grated carrots in a saucepan.
  3. Clean and chop the onion.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and boil it in a small amount of water.
  5. Once the carrots and onion are boiled, blend them until smooth.
  6. Melt butter in a separate saucepan, then add 5 cups of water, parsley, salt, pepper, and the blended carrot mixture.
  7. Simmer the soup for half an hour.
  8. If desired, you can optionally add sugar and a chicken stock cube for extra flavor.

Variations

  • Add a touch of cream for a richer soup.
  • Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
  • Top with toasted nuts or seeds for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to peel and grate the carrots before adding them to the soup for a smooth texture.

- Blending the carrots and onions after boiling them will create a creamy consistency.

- Adding a chicken stock cube and a touch of sugar can enhance the flavor of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Karotosoupa hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the carrots and onions before blending for a smooth consistency.

- Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute olive oil for butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Karotosoupa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Karotosoupa in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Karotosoupa with a Greek salad or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

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

Carbohydrates

Carrots are a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. This soup is a good option for those looking to increase their carbohydrate intake in a healthy way.

Fats

With only 2 teaspoons of butter in the entire recipe, this soup is low in fat, making it a healthy choice for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

While this soup is not high in protein, adding a chicken stock cube can increase the protein content slightly.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may contain gluten if a chicken stock cube is added. Be sure to check for allergens before serving.

Summary

Karotosoupa is a nutritious and low-calorie soup that is packed with vitamins and minerals from the carrots and onions. It is a healthy and delicious option for any meal.

Summary

Karotosoupa is a delicious and nutritious Greek carrot soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this soup is a healthy and satisfying option for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a trip to Greece, where I had the most delicious Karotosoupa, a traditional Greek carrot soup. The flavors were so rich and comforting, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked the chef at the restaurant for the recipe, but he simply smiled and said it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. Determined to recreate the soup, I set out on a mission to learn the recipe from someone else.

I searched high and low, asking friends, family, and even strangers if they knew how to make Karotosoupa. After months of searching, I finally stumbled upon an elderly woman at a local market who claimed to have the recipe.

Her name was Yiayia Maria, and she had been making Karotosoupa for as long as she could remember. She invited me into her home, where she showed me step by step how to make the soup.

First, she peeled and chopped a mountain of fresh carrots, explaining that the key to a rich and flavorful soup was using the freshest ingredients possible. Next, she sautéed onions and garlic in a large pot until they were fragrant and golden brown.

Yiayia Maria added the carrots to the pot, along with a generous amount of vegetable broth, and let the soup simmer for hours on end. As the aromas wafted through her kitchen, I could hardly contain my excitement.

Finally, she added a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, which gave the soup a warm and spicy kick. After letting the soup cool for a few minutes, Yiayia Maria ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt.

As I took my first spoonful of the Karotosoupa, I was transported back to that cozy restaurant in Greece. The flavors were just as I remembered – rich, comforting, and utterly delicious.

I thanked Yiayia Maria profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and she simply smiled and said, "It's a pleasure to pass on the tradition of Karotosoupa to someone who appreciates it as much as I do."

Since that day, I have made Karotosoupa countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition just as Yiayia Maria did for me.

Every time I make Karotosoupa, I am reminded of the kind and generous woman who taught me how to make it. Her recipe has become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Karotosoupa, I am grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe, and for the wonderful people who have shared their culinary wisdom with me along the way.

Categories

| Carrot Soup Recipes | Greek Recipes | Greek Soups | Greek Vegetarian | Onion Recipes | Parsley Recipes |

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