Somewhat Healthier Creamy Spicy Carrot Soup π₯πΆοΈ
Overview:
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: Depends on bowl size π²
- Calories: 118.3 per serving
- Rating: βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ (based on 1 review)
Description:
Welcome to a delightful twist on the classic carrot soup recipe! This version is a healthier take, featuring lower fat and salt content, yet retaining all the rich creaminess and vibrant flavors you love. It’s not just tasty, it’s a feast for the eyes with its bright, appealing color. Serve it piping hot on chilly days or chill it for a refreshing summer treat.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Olive Oil |
| 1 | Onion |
| 3 | Potatoes |
| 6 | Carrots |
| 3 | Celery Stalks |
| 4 | Garlic Cloves |
| 1 | tsp Ground Cumin |
| 1/4 | tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper |
| 1 | tsp Chili Powder |
| 1/2 | tsp Turmeric |
| 1/4 | tsp White Pepper |
| 1/4 | cup Fresh Dill |
| 2 | cups Nonfat Milk |
| 1 | cup Plain Nonfat Yogurt |
| 2 | tbsp Lemon Juice |
Instructions:
-
SautΓ© Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in the bottom of a large pot over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion and sautΓ© until it becomes somewhat translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
-
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Add Potatoes:
- Toss in diced potatoes and cook them, stirring frequently, until they develop a slight golden-brown hue. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the soup base.
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Create Flavor Base:
- Pour in water, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add in the star of the show: carrots, along with minced garlic and chopped celery. These veggies will infuse the broth with their essence as they simmer.
-
Simmer to Perfection:
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the ingredients simmer together for about twenty minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften and their flavors to meld deliciously.
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Blend and Smooth:
- Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Using a trusty food processor or blender, puree the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
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Enhance with Creaminess:
- Return the pot to low heat and stir in the nonfat milk, giving the soup its luscious, creamy texture.
- Sprinkle in ground cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, turmeric, and half of the fresh dill. These spices will add layers of warmth and complexity to the soup.
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Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
- In a separate small bowl, blend together the plain nonfat yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and the remaining fresh dill. This tangy sauce will provide a delightful contrast to the soup’s richness.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the velvety carrot soup into bowls, each serving a canvas for your culinary masterpiece.
- Garnish generously with dollops of the yogurt sauce, creating swirls of flavor and a pop of freshness.
- For an extra touch, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate this dish even further.
Tips and Tricks:
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Texture Variation: For a chunkier soup, reserve some of the cooked vegetables before blending. Stir them back into the pureed soup for delightful bites of texture.
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Make It Vegan: Simply swap out the nonfat milk for your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free yogurt.
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Flavor Boost: Amp up the spice level by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. π₯
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Storage and Reheating: This soup freezes beautifully, so make a double batch for future cozy evenings. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 118.3
- Fat: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 1.5mg
- Sodium: 86.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7.3g
- Protein: 5.1g
Serving Suggestions:
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Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is the perfect companion for dunking into this creamy soup.
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Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp, refreshing salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a complete meal bursting with flavors and textures.
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Garnish Galore: Experiment with additional toppings such as a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a swirl of fragrant olive oil.
Enjoy the Bounty of Flavor! π₯π₯
This Somewhat Healthier Creamy Spicy Carrot Soup is a celebration of vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening or a refreshing meal on a warm day, this soup fits the bill. With its lower-fat, lower-salt profile, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on taste. So, grab your soup pot and get ready to savor every spoonful of this delightful creation! π
