Introducing the delightful Aromatic Tomato-Carrot Soup, a vibrant concoction brimming with the essence of fresh vegetables and a medley of aromatic spices. This quick and easy recipe, with a cooking time of just 30 minutes, is perfect for those busy days when you crave a comforting bowl of soup without spending hours in the kitchen. Bursting with the natural goodness of tomatoes, carrots, and a tantalizing blend of seasonings, this soup is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
To embark on this culinary journey, gather your ingredients: 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 3 green onions finely chopped, 1 clove of garlic minced, 3 ripe tomatoes chopped, 1 large carrot cooked and chopped, 1/2 cup of carrot juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste), 3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of ground sage, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger (or culinary lavender), a pinch of pepper, 1/4 cup of evaporated milk, and a handful of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped.
Begin by heating a large saucepan over low heat and melting the butter together with the olive oil until sizzling and fragrant. Then, add in the chopped green onions and minced garlic, allowing them to sauté gently until softened and aromatic, which should take approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any burning.
Once the onions and garlic have softened, it’s time to introduce the star ingredients: the tomatoes and cooked carrots. Add them into the saucepan, along with any juices released from the tomatoes, and let them simmer together for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to gently thicken, creating a luscious base for your soup.
Next, pour in the chicken stock and carrot juice, followed by the salt, ground cumin, sage, culinary lavender (or ginger), and a pinch of pepper to season. Let the soup simmer, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and meld together beautifully.
Once the soup has simmered to perfection, it’s time to add a creamy touch with the evaporated milk. Stir it in gently and allow the soup to simmer for just 1 minute longer until heated through. Be careful not to let it boil, as this may affect the texture and flavor of the soup.
To finish off your aromatic masterpiece, sprinkle the soup with a generous handful of freshly chopped basil leaves, adding a burst of freshness and color to each bowl. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or your favorite crackers, and savor the delightful blend of flavors with every spoonful.
As a final tip, if you have the opportunity to acquire culinary lavender for this recipe, it’s highly recommended! The subtle floral notes add an extra layer of complexity to the soup, elevating it to new heights of culinary delight. A quick internet search should yield plenty of options for sourcing this magical ingredient, allowing you to enhance your spice and herb collection with ease.
With its vibrant colors, aromatic fragrance, and delectable flavor profile, this Aromatic Tomato-Carrot Soup is sure to become a firm favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a wholesome appetizer, this soup is bound to impress even the most discerning of palates. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of this sensational soup unfold in your kitchen today!
