This cozy carrot soup is packed with bright flavors from fresh ginger and turmeric. It’s creamy and comforting, perfect for warming up on chilly days!
Whenever I make this soup, I feel like I’m giving my body a hug. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just blend, heat, and enjoy a bowl full of sunshine. ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Fresh carrots are the star of this soup, offering natural sweetness. If you don’t have carrots, you might try sweet potatoes or butternut squash as substitutes for a slightly different flavor.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a lovely zest to the soup. If you’re out, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger instead, but the fresh version is much more vibrant.
Turmeric: Ground turmeric adds warmth and color. If unavailable, try curry powder as a substitute since it contains turmeric plus additional spices, but use it sparingly as it’s more intense.
Coconut Milk: This brings a creamy texture to the soup. For a lighter option, you can use almond milk or oat milk, but keep in mind that it won’t have the same rich flavor.
Onion and Garlic: Both are essential for building flavor. Shallots can be a great substitute for onion. Garlic powder can work in a pinch—use about 1/4 teaspoon for 1 clove.
How Can You Make Sure Your Soup is Nice and Smooth?
Blending the soup correctly is key to achieving smooth textures. If you’re using an immersion blender, make sure to work in batches if your pot is small. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before transferring to avoid splatters.
- Blend the soup thoroughly until there are no lumps.
- If it’s too thick after blending, add a little more vegetable broth or coconut milk until you reach your desired consistency.
How to Make Carrot Soup with Ginger and Turmeric
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (13 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious carrot soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, making a total of 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and nourishing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
2. Adding the Flavors:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground turmeric. Sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step allows the spices to bloom and release their wonderful aromas.
3. Mixing in the Carrots:
Now, add the chopped carrots to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the carrots absorb the lovely flavors you’ve created.
4. Cooking the Soup:
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. You can poke them with a fork to check!
5. Blending the Soup:
Once the carrots are soft, it’s time to make the soup creamy! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and then blend until smooth.
6. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes to warm everything up nicely.
7. Serving the Soup:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a swirl of coconut milk on top. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy your delicious and healthy carrot soup!
Can I Substitute Fresh Ginger with Ground Ginger?
Yes, you can use ground ginger as a substitute! Use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every inch of fresh ginger. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be less intense, so adjust to your taste.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Soup?
If you prefer a milder soup, use fewer red pepper flakes or skip them altogether. For extra heat, add more flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving. You can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking to incorporate warmth without overwhelming spice.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup stores well. Simply prepare it, let it cool, and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
For leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy later!
