Delicious Carrot Soup Recipe
This delightful carrot soup recipe, lovingly passed down from my mum, is a true comfort food that you can easily make in under an hour. Whether you’re looking to savor a warm bowl of soup or store some for a rainy day, this recipe is perfect. It’s incredibly versatile, freezeable, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into making this soul-soothing soup that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (hamburger)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 3/4 cups sliced carrots
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 1/8 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
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Brown the Meat and Vegetables: In a large pot, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onion becomes translucent. This process should take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Drain Excess Fat: Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the pot. This helps in keeping the soup light and not too greasy.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the diced green pepper, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot with the browned meat. Stir in the tomato juice and water. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in the salt, sugar, black pepper, and dried marjoram. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed. Bring the soup to a simmer.
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Cook Until Tender: Allow the soup to simmer gently, stirring occasionally. Cook until the carrots reach your desired level of tenderness, usually around 15-20 minutes. It’s important to avoid boiling the soup as it can affect the flavor and texture.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. For a delicious finishing touch, top with a sprinkle of grated mozzarella cheese if desired. The cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture and extra flavor.
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Storing and Freezing: This soup is fantastic for meal prep! Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it in portions for convenient, ready-to-eat meals. To reheat, simply thaw and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 187.4
- Fat: 9.4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.2 grams
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 824.7 mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.6 grams
- Fiber: 2.1 grams
- Sugar: 5.6 grams
- Protein: 13.5 grams
Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it an ideal option for family dinners or meal prepping.
Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this carrot soup, and make sure to keep a batch in your freezer for those busy days when cooking isn’t on the agenda. It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that’s both hearty and nutritious! 🌟🍲