This creamy carrot soup recipe is a vibrant and healthy option for spring, featuring fresh garden ingredients. The addition of homemade carrot-top pesto elevates the flavors, making it a delightful vegetarian dish perfect for any occasion.
This recipe combines roasted carrots for depth and sweetness, along with fresh herbs to create a delicious carrot soup with pesto. It’s a great way to utilize carrot greens, turning them into a flavorful topping for your soup.
Vibrant and Creamy Carrot Soup
This creamy carrot soup recipe showcases the beauty of fresh garden ingredients, making it a delightful choice for any spring meal. The warm orange hue of the soup, combined with the bright green carrot-top pesto, creates a visually appealing dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Utilizing roasted carrots adds depth and sweetness to this vegetarian carrot soup, while the homemade carrot-top pesto introduces a fresh, herbaceous note. This combination not only enhances the flavors but also transforms carrot greens into a flavorful topping, showcasing a clever use of all parts of the vegetable.
Healthy Roasted Carrot Soup with Pesto
This roasted carrot soup is rich and creamy, made with pureed carrots, onions, and vegetable broth. The addition of coconut milk or heavy cream gives it a luxurious texture, making it a comforting option for chilly days.
With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those seeking quick and healthy spring soup ideas. It serves four, making it an excellent choice for a cozy gathering or a simple weeknight dinner.
Farm-to-Table Feel
To create a truly farm-to-table experience, pair this carrot soup with a slice of crusty bread and fresh carrots on the side. The rustic wooden table elements enhance the presentation, inviting diners to enjoy a wholesome meal that celebrates seasonal produce.
This dish not only highlights the vibrant colors of spring but also emphasizes the importance of using fresh, local ingredients. The combination of creamy carrot soup and carrot-top pesto embodies the essence of garden-fresh cooking.
Making the Carrot-Top Pesto
The carrot-top pesto is a standout feature of this dish. By blending carrot greens with nuts, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, you create a vibrant topping that elevates the soup to new heights. This homemade carrot soup is not just about the soup itself; it’s about the layers of flavor that come from each component.
Using carrot tops in this way is a fantastic carrot greens recipe that minimizes waste and maximizes flavor. The pesto can be adjusted to suit personal preferences, allowing for a unique twist on a classic condiment.
Nutritional Benefits
This healthy carrot soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 5 grams of protein, making it a satisfying option for those mindful of their dietary choices.
Rich in vitamins and minerals from the carrots and herbs, this soup is a nourishing addition to any meal plan. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup while also supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Serving Suggestions
When serving this creamy carrot soup with carrot-top pesto, consider garnishing with additional carrot greens or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture. Pairing it with crusty bread or crackers enhances the experience, making it a complete meal.
This carrot soup with pesto is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a starter or a main course. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this soup is sure to impress and satisfy.
Healthy Roasted Carrot Soup with Pesto
This roasted carrot soup is rich and creamy, made with pureed carrots, onions, and vegetable broth, and topped with a vibrant carrot-top pesto. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people, making it an excellent choice for a farm-to-table meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup carrot tops, washed and chopped
- 1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Roast the Carrots: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chopped carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted carrots and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches. Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream for creaminess.
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine carrot tops, nuts, Parmesan cheese (if using), and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, adding olive oil as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of carrot-top pesto. Enjoy your healthy carrot soup with crusty bread or crackers.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
