Cozy Winter Carrot Pumpkin Soup with Spiced Rice

Cozy Winter Carrot Soup

Description

Embrace the heartwarming essence of winter with this delightful and uncomplicated variation of Moosewood’s renowned carrot ginger soup. Perfect for a chilly day, this recipe transforms leftover ingredients into a nourishing and vibrant soup, ideal for using up those elderly carrots hiding in your fridge. The addition of raw pumpkin, which you can easily prepare during Halloween and freeze for later use, lends a rich, autumnal flavor. If you don’t have pumpkin on hand, canned pumpkin works wonderfully as well. This soup is not only comforting but also a great way to enjoy a healthy, low-protein, and low-cholesterol meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (freshly made or canned)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or substitute with vegetable broth, orange juice, or apple juice)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup leftover rice (or pasta, cooked)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating a splash of oil (sesame oil is excellent, but canola oil will work just fine) in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and start to soften, about 5 minutes.

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2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots, pumpkin puree, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, cumin, paprika, and a touch of salt. Feel free to adjust these spices to suit your taste preferences.

3. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the carrots are tender and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

4. Blend the Soup: Once the carrots are soft, carefully ladle the soup into a blender. Puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend it partially or to your liking. Return the blended soup to the pot.

5. Prepare the Rice: If you have leftover rice (perhaps from a forgotten Chinese food carton in the back of your fridge), or freshly cooked rice, place it in a bowl. Add lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper. Microwave the rice covered with plastic wrap for about 2 minutes, allowing it to soften and absorb the juice.

6. Combine and Serve: Add the rice (or pasta) to the pot of soup, stirring to mix well. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

7. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, enjoying the comforting warmth and vibrant flavors of your winter carrot soup.

Tips & Variations

• Broth Substitutes: For a different twist, you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, orange juice, or even watered-down wine. Adjust your spices accordingly to complement these flavors.
• Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a bit more broth or water.
• Garnishes: Consider adding a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and a touch of freshness.

Enjoy this easy, comforting soup that’s perfect for a cozy winter lunch or a festive Christmas meal! 🥕🍲🎄