Carrot potato soup

Comforting and simple, this carrot potato soup is a must-make for soup season. It’s economical, easy to throw together with a few basic ingredients, freezes perfectly, and it’s so delicious. Perfect for cozy nights in or as a starter for gatherings, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this comforting soup in under an hour.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of carrots and potatoes creates a naturally sweet and creamy texture that’s irresistible.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side; pair it with bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals on busy days.
• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this soup is a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best carrot potato soup, having the right tools will help you achieve perfect results. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Blender (stand or hand)
• Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup evenly.
• Blender: Helps achieve that creamy consistency by blending part of the soup smoothly.
• Cutting board & Knife: A stable surface and sharp knife make prep work quick and safe.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 Tbsp butter or olive oil
– 1 medium-sized onion, diced (any colour is fine)
– 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
– 1 celery stick, chopped
– 1 lb (450 grams) carrots, peeled and diced
– 1 lb (450 grams) potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 tsp Italian herbs
– ¼ tsp dried thyme
– ¼ tsp dried parsley (optional)
– ⅛ tsp black pepper, plus more to serve
– ½ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste*
– 2 ½ cups (600ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
– 2-3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Carrot potato soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the peeled and diced carrots, potatoes, celery, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 2–3 minutes to enhance their flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Blend Part of the Soup

Turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly. Carefully transfer about one cup of the soup into a blender. Blend just until smooth—be cautious as it’s still hot! Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender if you have one.

Step 5: Combine & Adjust Seasoning

Return the blended mixture back into the pot with the rest of the soup. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. Taste your soup; depending on your broth’s saltiness, you may want to adjust seasoning accordingly. Finally, stir in freshly chopped parsley.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle your delicious carrot potato soup into bowls. Top each serving with freshly ground black pepper and extra parsley if desired. Enjoy it warm alongside some crusty bread!

How to Serve Carrot potato soup

Serving carrot potato soup can be both simple and delightful. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the soup well.

Accompanying Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into your soup.
• Garlic Bread: The rich garlic flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots and potatoes.

With a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.
• Caesar Salad: The creaminess of Caesar dressing balances the soup’s texture nicely.

For Added Protein

• Grilled Chicken Strips: Serve sliced grilled chicken on top for added protein.
• Chickpeas: Toss in some roasted chickpeas for a crunchy texture and extra nutrition.

How to Perfect Carrot potato soup

To ensure your carrot potato soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the overall flavor and quality of the soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Blend Smoothly: For a creamier texture, blend until smooth but avoid over-blending to maintain some vegetable chunks.
• Add Cream or Milk: If you prefer a richer soup, stir in a splash of cream or milk just before serving.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika for an extra kick of flavor.
• Garnish Creatively: Use toppings like croutons or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot potato soup

Pairing side dishes with carrot potato soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, melting cheese between two slices of bread makes for a satisfying combo.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables add heartiness to your meal.
3. Quiche: A slice of quiche, whether savory or with vegetables, complements the flavors of the soup wonderfully.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide additional textures and flavors alongside the creamy soup.
5. Pita Chips with Hummus: Crunchy pita chips served with hummus offer a great contrast to the smoothness of the soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges are always a hit, adding an extra layer of comfort to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carrot potato soup can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Failing to sauté the onion and garlic can result in a bland flavor. Always take a few minutes to cook these aromatics to enhance the overall taste of your soup.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Under-seasoning your soup can leave it lacking depth. Always taste before serving and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Overblending the Soup: Blending too long may turn your soup into a paste rather than achieving a creamy texture. Blend just until smooth for the best consistency.
• Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor and color. Don’t skip them; sprinkle freshly chopped parsley at the end for an extra burst of freshness.
• Using High-Sodium Broth: Opting for regular broth instead of low-sodium options can make your soup overly salty. Always choose low-sodium vegetable broth for better control over seasoning.
• Neglecting Storage Tips: Improper storage can affect the freshness of your soup. Follow storage guidelines closely to keep it tasting great when reheating.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store carrot potato soup in an airtight container.
• It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool down before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Carrot potato soup

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of each container for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Carrot potato soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make carrot potato soup vegan?

You can easily make this recipe vegan by using olive oil instead of butter and ensuring that you use vegetable broth without any animal products.

Can I add more vegetables to carrot potato soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

What is the best way to store carrot potato soup?

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze portions for later use.

How can I customize my carrot potato soup?

You can customize this recipe by adding spices such as cumin or curry powder, or by incorporating different herbs like dill or cilantro.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a delightful sweetness and are a nutritious alternative that pairs well with carrots.

Conclusion

This carrot potato soup is not only comforting but also highly versatile. Its simple ingredients allow you to customize flavors easily, making it perfect for any season. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or spices to create your perfect bowl!