February 15, 2013

Carrot-ginger soup


Things have been quiet here on my blog recently.... That's because I was on vacation for a while. A completely unplugged vacation. I don't have a smartphone and didn't take the laptop - and, honestly, it was wonderful. It was wonderful to get away from the constant "chatter" of the online world. I slept a lot. I sat in the sun. I read an entire book. We looked at a lot of birds. And, my favorite part, we visited manatees. Those gray shadows are manatees that we visited in Central Florida at a state park where the manatees over-winter. They were so beautiful.



So after being in the sunshine for days, I was behind on cooking and blogging (and grocery shopping). I wanted an easy meal for returning to work as well as one that was warming and "sunny" if you will. This soup fit the bill - it's full of vitamins and sweetness with a touch of warming ginger. I cooked my soup in the slow cooker to maximize the easiness, but you can certainly cook it on the stove until soft. I used vegetable broth, but you can use chicken broth or even water (I think it would be more orange with water).

Carrot-ginger soup
1 small sweet white onion, roughly chopped
1 lb. carrots, cleaned and roughly chopped (peeled if desired)
2 small russet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger root
4 cups vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon ground corainder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
a few grinds of black pepper
juice of 1/2 a lemon

for serving (optional):
sour cream
thinly sliced scallion greens, chives, or fresh parsley

Put all of the ingredients (except the lemon juice) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. Puree with an immersion blender when soft (or in batches in a blender). Add the lemon juice. Taste for seasonings and adjust as needed. Serve hot with toppings, if desired.

       
What was I cooking one year ago?: Kao soi
Two years ago?: roasted beet and grapefruit salad
Three?: apple-cranberry coffee cake

21 comments:

  1. I love your cute little bowl! This sounds like a comforting warm soup with great flavors.

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  2. Manatees! Adorable! And your carrot-y bowl is almost as adorable too. :) This soup sounds great, I too have been in the mood for easy yet warming meals lately. :) Glad you had a wonderful break!

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  3. We eat lots of carrots, but mostly in salads. The soup looks and sounds comforting and delicious.

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  4. Wow-- so jealous of your tropical vacation! And this soup looks delicious-- I love the combination of carrot and ginger, especially in the winter!

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  5. Your trip sounds wonderful--I am in need of a trip and time away! I also love disconnecting from phone/email and the Internet. This soups looks delicious and perfect for our cold Chicago days.

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  6. OOh, this soup sounds wonderful! And I'm so jealous of your trip - it sounds awesome! Especially the manatees. =)

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  7. I make a simpler version of this and it is good so I can only imagine how your fancier version tastes! :D

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  8. Hi Amy,
    hope you enjoyed your vacation, the place looks so beautiful!
    Already missing your posts, but the "Comeback" with this so tasty looking Carrot Ginger Soup is gorgeous :)

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  9. What a lovely soup. Love the beautiful rich colour. Yes we all need to unplug from the world once in a while... glad you had a lovely break.

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  10. Those pictures are beautiful, this is why I love reading blogs, you see things you wouldn't have seen before. The soup looks yummy too, I love a good carrot soup. Glad you had a good time away =]

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  11. Unplugging every once in a while is DEFINITELY a good thing! And way to come back with a bang! This soup looks delicious!

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  12. Love the convenience of using the slow cooker here. And your vacation sounds great - the manatees would have been my favorite part too!

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  13. Unplugged vacations are the best. This soup sounds flavorful and delicious.

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  14. I really need to make more soup. This looks great!

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  15. We all need some time off from busy life. I remember last time we went on cruise we totally unplugged from everything for a week and it was the best relaxing time.

    The carrot soup with 2 tbsp ginger is calling my name.

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  16. I've never had carrot soup before but I want a big bowl right now.

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  17. I hear that. I love getting away for a little while. A little while longer though.. and I get a bit edgy. Silly :) Love this soup. I made a similar one a few days ago and topped it with a bit of basil pesto. So yummy!

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  18. yum! this soup looks perfect for the chilly weather we're having!

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  19. Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your vacation photos. Beautiful scenery.

    Your carrot ginger soup look very appetizing. Love the cute bowl, so pretty.

    Best regards.

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