Description
Light and zesty Jamie Oliver carrot and orange soup brings Mediterranean warmth to winter tables. Fresh ingredients blend delicately, creating a comforting meal you can savor with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 carrots (medium/large, chopped, 900 g / 2 lbs)
- 1 litre (4 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 orange (zest and juice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Gently heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-low, then sizzle onions and garlic for 10 minutes until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delicate flavors without browning.
- Build Flavor Foundation: Introduce orange zest and carrots to the aromatic base, stirring to activate their essential oils and create a vibrant flavor profile, then add the bay leaf and stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer and Develop: Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for 30 minutes, enabling the ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, complex taste that melts together seamlessly.
- Blend and Refine: Discard the bay leaf and transfer the mixture to a blender, processing until achieving a silky-smooth consistency that transforms the chunky ingredients into a refined, elegant soup.
- Elevate and Finish: Stir in freshly squeezed orange juice to brighten the soup’s depth, creating a zesty, citrusy note that cuts through the earthy carrot base and delivers a refreshing final touch.
Notes
- Zest with Care: Gently grate orange zest to capture vibrant citrus oils without including bitter white pith, enhancing the soup’s aromatic depth.
- Sauté Technique: Cook onions and garlic slowly on medium-low heat to develop sweet, mellow flavors without burning or creating harsh bitter notes.
- Blending Safety: Allow hot soup to cool slightly before blending to prevent potential steam pressure buildup and reduce risk of kitchen accidents.
- Flavor Balancing: Add fresh orange juice at the end to preserve its bright, zesty character and prevent potential bitterness from prolonged cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg