This soup boasts a refreshing, flavorful blend of sweet carrots and zesty ginger—perfect for a cozy meal!
I first tried a carrot ginger soup at a high-end restaurant in downtown Milwaukee. I typically don’t order soup when I go out. I usually spring for appetizers and gourmet salads because my wife and I don’t dine out as often as we should. But our server was so insistent, so I figured I’d give this “soup of the day” a try. Well, I loved it. In fact, I loved it so much that I started making my own version.
These days, carrot ginger soup is one of my favorite recipes to serve in the fall and winter. And it’s not just because of the taste. The soup has a velvety texture and a gorgeous, bright color, so it’s perfect for holidays and fancy dinners with friends. I’ve even heard a few audible “wows” when I serve my guests. I guess you could say this soup has bowl appeal—I’m a dad, so I’m allowed at least one lame joke a day. Even better, it’s a one-pot wonder, making it easy to whip up on a weeknight.
Of course, it’s not all about looks because this soup tastes delicious, thanks to its balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The carrot’s natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the cozy heat from the ginger, while the orange juice adds brightness and tang. Also, it has a richness to it, even though there’s no heavy cream involved. If you enjoy soups like butternut squash or sweet potato, you’ll love this one!
Is Carrot Ginger Soup good for you?
In short, yes! This soup’s star ingredients offer all sorts of health benefits. Ginger, for instance, has been used medicinally for ages and is known to treat digestive issues, like nausea. As my wife can attest, it’s definitely great for easing morning sickness during pregnancy.
Then there are the carrots. They’re packed with fiber, vitamin K, and beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A. Enjoying a bowl of carrot ginger soup is not only delicious but also a great way to get your daily veggies!
Why should I use Fresh Ginger?
Fresh ginger is the key to giving this soup its signature zing. Unlike powdered ginger, fresh ginger features a sharper, more intense flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the carrots. Though my favorite aspect of fresh ginger is how it brings warming, spicy undertones to the soup. It’s what makes this soup so cozy on cold winter nights!
How To Make Ahead And Store
Once you’ve cooked up a pot of this soup, it’s time to store it! I often like doubling the recipe and storing it in portion-sized containers for easy, healthy lunches. Simply pour the soup into an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze the soup, label your container with the date, and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
The only thing to make a hot bowl of carrot ginger soup that much better would be to add a sandwich on the side. Serve up whatever sandwich you like best with this soup. However, I do suggest trying this Cottage Cheese Sandwich recipe—think of it as a grown-up Grilled Cheese.
If you’re serving this for a dinner party, then go for something more elaborate for your main meal, like Lemon Roasted Chicken with a side of Sautéed Spinach and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Or keep things light with some Baked Cod alongside Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound carrots chopped (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 3/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest tightly packed
Instructions
- Heat the oil on medium high in a large pot.
- Add in the carrot and onion and cook until lightly browned, about 6-7 minutes. Add in the ginger and cook another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the carrots are fork tender, about 50-60 minutes.
- Let cool slightly and then transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve garnished with cilantro and SLURP UP!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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