Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 900g / 2 pounds carrots (about 5 large carrots)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1.25 litre / 5 cups vegetable stock
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp chilli flakes
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided: 1 tbsp for roasting, 1 tbsp for frying)
For Garnish
- Vegan cream
- Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, coriander, or parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200C (400F) to prepare for roasting the carrots.
- Roast Carrots: Cut the carrots into 1-inch chunks and place them on a baking tray. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season generously with cracked black pepper and salt. Roast for 40-50 minutes until soft. In the last 15 minutes, add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and toss the carrots to coat evenly, then continue roasting.
- Sauté Onion: While the carrots roast, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and fry for a few minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and fry for about a minute. Stir in ground coriander, turmeric, chilli flakes, and a good sprinkling of cracked black pepper. Fry for an additional 30 seconds to release the spices’ aromas.
- Add Stock: Pour in the vegetable stock and keep the heat low. Let the mixture simmer gently while the carrots finish roasting, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Blend the Soup: Once the carrots are tender and roasted, transfer the cooked carrots and the spiced stock mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth for a creamy texture. If preferred, use a stick blender directly in the saucepan to retain some texture. Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches if necessary to prevent overflow.
- Adjust Consistency and Season: If the soup is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper carefully, considering the saltiness of the stock used.
- Reheat and Serve: Return the soup to the saucepan and warm gently over low heat until ready to serve. Ladle into bowls and top with a swirl of vegan cream, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a few days or freeze well. Make sure the soup is fully cooled before freezing to maintain quality.
Notes
- The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that complements the roasted carrots beautifully; adjust quantity to taste.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the chilli flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary, coriander, or parsley for garnish to add freshness and flavor contrast.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts on top when serving.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or vegan buttered toast.
- Ensure careful seasoning as vegetable stocks vary widely in saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan