Creamy Carrot Soup with Orange and Ginger

Creamy Carrot Soup with Orange and Ginger is a vibrant, comforting soup that perfectly balances sweetness, warmth, and freshness in every spoonful. The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced by bright citrusy orange, while fresh ginger adds a gentle heat and aromatic depth that makes this soup truly special. Its silky texture and glowing color make it as visually appealing as it is nourishing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels both cozy and refreshing at the same time. The carrots bring earthy sweetness, the orange adds a burst of brightness, and the ginger gives just enough warmth to wake up your palate. It’s naturally creamy without needing excessive dairy, making it feel indulgent yet clean and wholesome. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and effort.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

  • It’s healthy and nourishing, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber
  • The flavor combination is unique yet comforting
  • It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
  • Perfect for meal prep, freezing, and storing
  • Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets (with simple swaps)

Once you try this soup, it often becomes a go-to recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Course: Soup / Appetizer / Light Main
  • Cuisine: International / European-inspired

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1½ lbs (700 g) carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cream or coconut cream drizzle
  • Orange zest
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or cilantro)
  • Croutons or toasted seeds

Cooking Directions

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  2. Add carrots and broth, then simmer until carrots are tender.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in orange juice, zest, and cream.
  5. Season and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Broth

Add sliced carrots to the pot and stir well to coat them with the aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the carrots are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender (or a countertop blender in batches), blend the soup until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Orange and Cream

Return the soup to low heat. Stir in orange zest, fresh orange juice, and coconut milk or cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Final Warm-Up

Gently heat the soup for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve this soup hot in bowls with a drizzle of cream or coconut milk on top. Garnish with orange zest, fresh herbs, or crunchy croutons. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor
  • Don’t rush the simmering process—soft carrots ensure a silky texture
  • Adjust ginger according to your spice preference
  • Add broth gradually if you prefer a thinner consistency

Variations (Detailed)

Vegan Version

Use olive oil and coconut milk instead of butter and cream. Ensure vegetable broth is fully vegan.

Spicy Carrot Soup

Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper while sautéing the aromatics.

Carrot Orange Ginger Soup with Turmeric

Add ½ teaspoon turmeric for extra warmth, color, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Roasted Carrot Version

Roast carrots with olive oil at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes before adding to the soup for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Protein-Boosted Version

Stir in cooked red lentils or chickpeas before blending for added protein and thickness.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, simply use coconut milk or any plant-based cream.

Q: Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Q: Is this soup good for weight loss?
Yes, it’s low in calories, filling, and packed with nutrients.

Q: Can I serve this cold?
Yes, it can be served chilled as a refreshing summer soup.

Q: How can I thicken the soup without cream?
Simmer longer or add a small potato while cooking the carrots.

Conclusion

Creamy Carrot Soup with Orange and Ginger is a beautiful blend of comfort and freshness, offering bold flavor with minimal effort. Its nourishing ingredients, stunning color, and versatile nature make it a recipe worth returning to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this soup delivers warmth, elegance, and wholesome goodness in every bowl. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Creamy Carrot Soup with Orange and Ginger

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: SoupsDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

45

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 1½ lbs (700 g) carrots, peeled and sliced

  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • ½ cup fresh orange juice

  • ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, to taste

  • Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cream or coconut cream drizzle

  • Orange zest

  • Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or cilantro)

  • Croutons or toasted seeds

Directions

  • Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics : Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Step 2: Add Carrots and Broth : Add sliced carrots to the pot and stir well to coat them with the aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Step 3: Simmer : Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the carrots are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  • Step 4: Blend the Soup : Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender (or a countertop blender in batches), blend the soup until completely smooth and creamy.
  • Step 5: Add Orange and Cream : Return the soup to low heat. Stir in orange zest, fresh orange juice, and coconut milk or cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Step 6: Final Warm-Up : Gently heat the soup for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.

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