Hearty Carrot Ginger Soup Recipe: Ina Garten’s Magic Bowl

Carrot ginger soup transforms ordinary kitchen moments into extraordinary culinary adventures with its vibrant, soul-warming essence.

Fragrant spices dance alongside sweet root vegetables, creating a melodic flavor symphony that tingles your taste buds.

Each spoonful carries whispers of comfort and nostalgia, effortlessly blending hearty nutrition with delicate aromatics.

Sunshine-golden and creamy, this soup emerges as a liquid masterpiece that transcends simple sustenance.

Earthy carrots mingle with zesty ginger, producing a harmonious blend that speaks directly to your hunger and heart.

The soup’s velvety texture promises a sensory journey of pure, nourishing delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ina’s Carrot Ginger Soup

• Butter: Select high-quality, unsalted butter for rich, clean flavor.
• Onions: Choose firm, bright-colored onions with no soft spots or sprouting.

• Ginger: Pick fresh, firm root with smooth skin and strong aromatic smell.
• Carrots: Select bright orange, crisp carrots without blemishes or soft areas.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium variety to control salt content.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Select fresh, high-fat content cream for luxurious texture.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• White Pepper: Choose finely ground, fresh white pepper for subtle heat.

• Sour Cream: Pick smooth, tangy sour cream with rich consistency.
• Parsley: Select bright green, fresh parsley with no wilting leaves.

Ina Garten’s Tool Guide for Making Ginger-Carrot Soup

• 6-quart pot: Large, sturdy cooking vessel perfect for simmering soups.
• Cutting board: Solid surface for chopping onions and carrots safely.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate tool for seasoning ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing during cooking.
• Blender: Powerful appliance to transform soup into smooth, creamy texture.
• Kitchen towel: Protective layer for safe blending of hot liquids.
• Ladle: Convenient for transferring soup between pot and blender.
• Serving bowls: Individual dishes for presenting the finished soup.

Cooking Instructions for Smooth Carrot Ginger Soup

• Kickstart Flavor Foundation

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until they soften and turn translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. This base sets the stage for a deeply satisfying soup experience.

• Unleash Spicy Warmth

Introduce freshly grated ginger and sliced carrots to the pot. Pour in chicken broth, allowing the ingredients to dance together. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let the mixture simmer until carrots become tender and infused with rich flavors.

• Transform Into Silky Smoothness

Carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender, using a kitchen towel for safety. Begin blending at a low speed, gradually increasing until the soup becomes incredibly smooth and velvety. The transformation turns simple ingredients into a luxurious culinary creation.

• Elevate With Creamy Finish

Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in heavy whipping cream, creating a luscious texture that glides across the palate. Gently warm the soup, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Final Flourish

Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Serve in warm bowls, topping with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Each spoonful promises a comforting and sophisticated flavor journey.

Flavor Enhancing Tips for Ina’s Soup

Transform this creamy carrot soup with personal twists that elevate every spoonful.

Add ground cumin, turmeric, or smoked paprika for unexpected warmth and depth of flavor. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust according to your taste preference.

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, velvety texture that keeps the soup completely plant-based. These alternatives provide incredible smoothness without compromising taste.

Stir in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or roasted chickpeas to transform this soup from simple side dish to hearty main course. Protein additions create satisfying layers of texture and nutrition.

Cool soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. When reheating, whisk gently to restore original creamy consistency and prevent separation.

How to Serve Ina’s Soup as a Starter

• Elevate Soup Serving Experience: Pair this creamy carrot ginger soup with crusty artisan bread for dipping and soaking up delicious flavors.
• Craft Complementary Side Dish: Prepare a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich and warming profile.
• Design Elegant Presentation: Use white ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant orange color, garnishing with a delicate swirl of cream and fresh parsley sprigs for visual appeal.
• Create Temperature Contrast: Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic crostini or herbed croutons to add crispy texture and temperature variation to the smooth soup.

Storing Carrot Ginger Soup with Ease

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping refrigeration temperature below 40°F to maintain optimal quality and safety.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Properly sealed soup will stay delicious for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, allowing convenient reheating for future meals without compromising flavor or texture.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Frozen soup maintains excellent taste for up to 3 months when sealed tightly, providing a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick, restoring its original silky consistency and ensuring even heating throughout.

Vibrant Carrot Ginger Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s carrot ginger soup blends smooth, silky textures with warming spices and bright vegetable notes. Hearty ingredients create a comforting bowl that invites you to savor each spoonful of this classic, nourishing recipe.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) carrots, peeled and sliced
• 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
• 2 onions, peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) grated fresh ginger
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) sweet cream butter
• 1 cup (240 mL) whipping cream
• Salt
• White pepper
• Sour cream
• Parsley sprigs, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Butter Infusion: Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat, gently sautéing onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delicate sweetness.
2. Aromatics and Liquid Integration: Add ginger and carrots to the pot, pour in chicken broth, and bring to a vigorous boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until carrots yield effortlessly to a fork’s gentle pressure.
3. Blending Transformation: Transfer the fragrant mixture to a blender, working in careful batches. Secure the lid with a kitchen towel, pulse initially, then blend continuously until achieving a silky-smooth consistency with no vegetable remnants.
4. Creamy Finalization: Return the velvety purée to the pot, stir in heavy cream, and reheat until thoroughly warmed and uniformly blended. Fine-tune the flavor profile with kosher salt and white pepper to taste.
5. Elegant Presentation: Ladle the soup into pre-warmed bowls, crown with a graceful swirl of sour cream and delicate parsley sprigs, creating a visually stunning and flavor-rich culinary experience.

Notes

• Butter Brilliance: Use unsalted butter for precise flavor control and better seasoning management.
• Ginger Grinding: Freshly minced ginger delivers more vibrant, intense flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Blending Safety: Always hold the blender lid with a thick kitchen towel to prevent hot liquid splashes and potential burns.
• Cream Temperature: Add heavy cream at the end to maintain its smooth texture and prevent potential curdling or separation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg