Carrot and ginger combination is made in heaven; and both offer a wealth of health benefits. But a dose of nutrition is not the only reason to make this carrot ginger soup, its taste is likely to please even the most difficult carrot eaters.
You probably remember your mom (or grandma or doctor) telling your to eat carrots to protect your eyesight. But carrot is also a friend in protecting us from a host of other short-term and long-term (chronic) diseases as carrots are one of the greatest natural sources of betacarotene (antioxidant) and carotenoid (phytochemical). While another blog post is needed to expand on the health benefits of carrots, antioxidants and phytochemical in carrots help build immunity and prevent certain types of cancers and heart disease (more on this later). Similarly, ginger is shown to have a host of health-boosting benefits such as building immunity and preventing infections. Therefore, this carrot ginger soup also works as a preventive or restorative food in this flu season.
This carrot ginger soup, unlike most other soups, takes only 30 minutes of active cooking time. I usually don't make pure vegetable soups for more than one occasion as nutrients in vegetables tend to quickly deteriorate after cooking (more on this later). Enjoy with a bean salad or tofu stir-fry or hummus-topped garlic toast!
Carrot Ginger Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tsp avocado oil (or any other)
- 1 lb carrots (roughly chopped, about 8-10 medium-size carrots)
- 1 cup onion (roughly chopped, about 1 medium-size onion)
- 2 tsp ginger (grated)
- 2 tsp lemon zest* (about one lemon)
- 2 tbsp golden raisins (or any other variety)
- 3/4 tsp sea salt (or any other kind)
- 4 1/4 cups homemade vegetable broth (or any low-sodium vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp almonds (slivered and toasted, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Roughly chopped carrots and onion and add to a baking dish** in a single layer. Add 1/4 cup of vegetable broth and 1/4 tsp salt to the veggies. Mix with hand to evenly coat the vegetables. Roast*** in a pre-heated oven for 45-60 minutes.
- In a heavy-bottom soup pot, heat 1 tsp of oil over medium heat. Add ginger and stir and let it cook for 10 seconds in the oil. Add oven-roasted carrots and onions, 1/2 tsp of salt, 4 cups of vegetable broth, lemon zest, and golden raisins. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat (about 10-12 minutes) and let is cook for another 10 minutes.
- Take soup off the stove and let it cool completely. Puree soup in a blender. Check to make sure there are no annoying no veggie bits left in the soup. Lightly toast almonds in a toaster or over stovetop in a heavy-bottom skillet. Enjoy with a bean salad!
Terry says
Garima, I made this soup for my family over the holidays. It was a beautiful rich color, very festive, and the ginger flavoring was so fresh and vibrant. Another winner!
Garima says
Terry,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe! I like your description.