Carrot Potato Soup

This Carrot Potato Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and nourishment to your table. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a nutritious starter for gatherings, this creamy vegan soup is packed with vitamins and minerals. Its simple preparation makes it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. The combination of carrots and potatoes creates a velvety texture and rich taste that will satisfy any palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this carrot potato soup in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, this soup provides essential nutrients while being low in calories.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cashew cream gives the soup a rich, satisfying mouthfeel without using dairy.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish. It pairs well with bread or salads.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it great for leftovers or meal planning.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious carrot potato soup, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. These tools ensure that the cooking process goes smoothly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Blender or immersion blender
• Vegetable peeler
• Chopping knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: A sturdy pot is necessary for even cooking and simmering the soup to perfection.
• Blender or immersion blender: This tool helps achieve the creamy texture by blending the ingredients smoothly.
• Chopping knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables easier and safer.
• Cutting board: A reliable cutting surface is crucial for food safety and efficiency during prep.

Ingredients

This creamy vegan carrot potato soup is incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. Enjoy this veggie packed soup for a healthy twist on a classic comfort food recipe.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 3 celery ribs, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 2 medium russet potatoes (about 12oz) peeled and cut into 1/2 chunks
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1/2 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours (see note for quick-soak method)
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper

How to Make Carrot Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large dutch oven or pot, add the olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat for about 6 minutes while stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Potatoes

Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and potato chunks to the pot. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Combine Broth Ingredients

Pour in the vegetable broth along with the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes or until all vegetables are tender. Remember to remove the bay leaf before blending.

Step 5: Prepare Cashew Cream

While the soup simmers, prepare your cashew cream by blending 1/2 cup of soaked cashews with 1/2 cup of water until completely smooth.

Step 6: Blend Soup Mixture

After vegetables have softened, take one cup of soup from the pot and add it to your blender along with the lemon juice. Blend until smooth.

Step 7: Combine Blended Mixture

Stir the blended cashew mixture back into the pot of soup. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 8: Season to Taste

Finally, season your carrot potato soup with salt and pepper according to your preference before serving hot.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of carrot potato soup!

How to Serve Carrot Potato Soup

Carrot potato soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a starter, there are plenty of delicious options to enhance your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. Opt for sourdough or whole grain for added flavor.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the soup’s creaminess and adds richness.

Serve with Salad

• Pairing the soup with a light salad complements its hearty texture. A simple mixed green salad works well.

Offer with Cheese Toasties

• Grilled cheese toasties can be a great side. The gooeyness pairs wonderfully with the smoothness of carrot potato soup.

Include Roasted Veggies

• Roasted vegetables on the side offer an extra layer of flavor and texture. Try carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for variety.

How to Perfect Carrot Potato Soup

Achieving the perfect carrot potato soup is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots and potatoes yield better flavor than older ones. Choose vibrant, firm vegetables.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference for a personalized touch.

• Blend Well: Ensure the cashew cream is fully blended until smooth. This creates a luxurious texture in your soup.

• Simmer Slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer longer will deepen its flavors. Don’t rush this step for optimal taste.

• Experiment with Spices: Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick. This can elevate your carrot potato soup significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Potato Soup

Serving carrot potato soup alongside complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that provides crunchy contrast and rich flavor.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers freshness to balance the soup’s warmth.
3. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with veggies provides protein and makes for a filling addition.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with grains or beans add a satisfying element to your meal.
5. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy rolls bring an Asian flair that pairs nicely with the creamy texture.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that complements savory flavors beautifully.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their nutty flavor contrasts nicely, adding depth to your meal.
8. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can provide additional richness and variety alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carrot potato soup can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Skipping the soaking of cashews: Not soaking your cashews can lead to a gritty texture in the soup. Soak them for at least 4 hours or use a quick-soak method by boiling them for 10 minutes.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender yet firm vegetables to maintain a pleasing texture in your soup.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can result in bland soup. Always taste before serving and add salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance flavor.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality vegetable broth can diminish the overall flavor. Choose a high-quality broth or make your own for the best results.
• Not blending enough: If you don’t blend the soup thoroughly, it may remain chunky. For a creamy consistency, blend until completely smooth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store carrot potato soup in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Carrot Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It is best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Carrot Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between sessions until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about carrot potato soup that might help clarify any doubts.

What is carrot potato soup made of?

Carrot potato soup consists of carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, and cashews for creaminess. It’s seasoned with herbs like thyme for added flavor.

Can I customize my carrot potato soup?

Yes! You can add other vegetables such as spinach or kale, substitute sweet potatoes for russets, or even add spices like cumin for an extra kick.

Is carrot potato soup healthy?

Absolutely! This vegan carrot potato soup is low in calories while being nutrient-dense. It’s packed with vitamins from vegetables and healthy fats from cashews.

How do I make carrot potato soup creamier?

To achieve a creamier texture, blend more of the cooked vegetables into the cashew cream or increase the amount of soaked cashews used.

Final Thoughts

This creamy vegan carrot potato soup is both comforting and nutritious. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preference. Whether enjoyed as a cozy meal on its own or paired with bread, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try today!