Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup

Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra warmth)
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
– Toasted pistachios or other nuts, for garnish
– Caramelized onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Roast the Carrots:**
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Toss the carrot chunks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
– Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

2. **Sauté the Aromatics:**
– In a large pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. **Make the Soup:**
– Add the roasted carrots to the pot along with the vegetable or chicken broth.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. **Blend the Soup:**
– Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
– If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

5. **Add Creaminess and Flavor:**
– Stir in the coconut milk (if using) for added creaminess.
– Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a touch of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter soup.
– Add ground cumin if you want a deeper, spiced flavor.

6. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, toasted pistachios, and caramelized onions.
– Serve hot, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

This roasted carrot and ginger soup is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a creamy texture and a hint of warmth from the ginger. Enjoy!