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. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends for dinner, this soup fits the bill perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps and minimal effort, you can whip up this delightful soup in no time.
• Flavorful and Nutritious: The combination of carrots and potatoes creates a rich flavor that’s both satisfying and healthy.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in seasonal vegetables or herbs based on what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup freezes well, making it ideal for make-ahead meals or busy weeknights.
• Deliciously Creamy Texture: The blended portion adds a creamy consistency without heavy cream, keeping it light and tasty.

Tools and Preparation

To make this carrot potato soup, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Stand blender (or hand blender)
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all the ingredients evenly and comfortably without spilling.
• Stand blender: Blending part of the soup gives it a creamy texture. A stand blender makes this step easy and effective.
• Chopping board & knife: These are essential for prepping your vegetables quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make the delicious carrot potato soup:

• 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 onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the garlic, cooking for an extra minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add the diced carrots, potatoes, celery, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper into the pot. Stir well to combine everything. Cook for about 2–3 minutes to enhance their flavors before proceeding.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

After cooking, turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Transfer approximately one cup of the soup to your stand blender. Blend until smooth but be careful not to over blend since it’s still hot. Alternatively, you can use a hand blender directly in the pot.

Step 5: Combine and Adjust Seasoning

Return the blended soup back into the pot with the remaining mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine everything well. Taste your soup; based on your broth’s salt content, adjust as needed. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with freshly ground black pepper on top along with extra parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal experience!

How to Serve Carrot potato soup

Serving carrot potato soup can elevate your dining experience, making it a delightful meal for family or guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your carrot potato soup with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying combination. The bread is perfect for dipping and adds texture to the meal.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and flavor. This simple addition makes the soup look more appealing and fresh.

A Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavor profile. It’s an elegant finishing touch that complements the soup beautifully.

With a Side Salad

• Serve the soup alongside a mixed greens salad. The crispness of the salad contrasts nicely with the smooth texture of the carrot potato soup, creating a balanced meal.

Topped with Croutons

• Add homemade or store-bought croutons on top for extra crunch. They provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy soup.

With Cheese Toasties

• Grilled cheese sandwiches or toasties make a classic pairing. The melted cheese adds indulgence while complementing the flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Carrot potato soup

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your carrot potato soup, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the overall taste. Opt for vibrant carrots and firm potatoes for maximum flavor.
• Blend carefully: When blending, only puree part of the soup if you prefer some texture. This creates a creamier base while keeping chunks for interest.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Depending on your broth’s saltiness, you may need to adjust seasoning levels towards the end.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika for an extra kick. These spices can enhance the flavor profile significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot potato soup

Pairing side dishes with carrot potato soup can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup, adding robust flavors that complement each spoonful.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a healthy balance, adding protein and fiber.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness, making them a wonderful accompaniment to the savory notes of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans create a hearty pairing that enhances your meal’s nutritional value.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds richness and makes a great snack option alongside your warm bowl of carrot potato soup.
6. Baked Potato Wedges: Oven-baked wedges seasoned with herbs offer a crispy contrast that pairs well with creamy soups.
7. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons, making it an ideal side dish to serve alongside carrot potato soup.
8. Fruit Compote: A sweet fruit compote provides a refreshing finish to balance out savory flavors in your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carrot potato soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking the carrots and potatoes too long will make them mushy. Be sure to monitor the cooking time and check for tenderness.
• Skipping the blending step: Failing to blend part of the soup can result in a chunky texture. For a creamier soup, blend a portion before returning it to the pot.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to blandness. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor broth affects the flavor of your soup. Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth or homemade broth for better results.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness and flavor. Don’t skip this step; add it just before serving for maximum freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover carrot potato soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Carrot potato soup

• Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Carrot potato soup

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding carrot potato soup that might help clarify any doubts.

Can I make carrot potato soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare carrot potato soup ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

How can I customize carrot potato soup?

You can add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or peas, or even spices like cumin for added flavor.

Is carrot potato soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with nutrients from carrots and potatoes while being low in calories.

Can I use different herbs in carrot potato soup?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs such as dill or cilantro for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

This carrot potato soup is not only comforting and delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or spices. Give it a try – it’s perfect for any occasion!