It’s felt like a long couple of weeks. Life in the Test Kitchen hasn’t skipped a beat — we’re well on our way into our Spring issues (almost moving on to Canadian Living’s May 2014 issue!) and I feel like the Fall months have sort of passed me by. This soup was a welcome pause in my busy schedule and a comforting meal to warm up for leftovers. The carrot/ginger combo is a classic no-brainer, it’s both sweet and tangy, with a perfect bright orange hue. I love the addition of pistachios to top the soup, although crusty bread and a dollop of creme fraiche is more than enough if you can’t be bothered with the pistachios.
Carrot and Ginger Soup with Creme Fraiche and Pistachios
Serves 4
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
Pinch each freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon
500 g carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 cups sodium-reduced chicken stock, or vegetable stock
1/2 cup creme fraiche
1/3 cup pistachios, chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
In large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, salt, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in carrots, cook until combined, about 1 minute. Stir in broth with 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil. Simmer until carrots are tender, about 20 minutes. Using immersion blender, blend until smooth, adding up to 1/2 cup of water if too thick.
Ladle into bowl, top with creme fraiche, pistachios and chives.
yummychunklet
November 20, 2013 at 12:14 am (11 years ago)Lovely looking soup.
jennifer
November 20, 2013 at 5:36 am (11 years ago)Thank you! I can’t get enough of that colour!
ThisBakerGirlBlogs
November 20, 2013 at 4:37 am (11 years ago)This just screams comfort! Perfect for these cool autumn days/nights 🙂
jennifer
November 20, 2013 at 5:37 am (11 years ago)Definitely! It’s the kind of heart-warming food you’re looking for when the temperatures drop, isn’t it?
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs
November 20, 2013 at 4:36 pm (11 years ago)This soup looks perfect for winter! I love the ginger/carrot combo, and pistachios sound like a wonderful addition 🙂
jennifer
November 24, 2013 at 5:42 pm (11 years ago)It’s a great pick-me-up for the colder months, and smells pretty fantastic thanks to the ginger!
Monica
November 21, 2013 at 9:43 pm (11 years ago)I would love this soup all through Fall and Winter! I love the ginger and it’s just so pretty, too. Big fan of the pistachios and chives as garnishes.
jennifer
November 24, 2013 at 5:41 pm (11 years ago)Thank you!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen
November 21, 2013 at 9:44 pm (11 years ago)This is so fresh looking – I love it! The colors and combination sound divine! And who doesn’t love creme fraiche? Yum!!!
jennifer
November 24, 2013 at 5:41 pm (11 years ago)Creme fraiche adds a little indulgence — which is always a good thing, right?
Shundara@SavyNaturalista
November 22, 2013 at 9:49 am (11 years ago)Lovely soup! Perfect with the cold weather were having, and your photos are breath taking!!
jennifer
November 24, 2013 at 5:39 pm (11 years ago)Thank you so much!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
November 22, 2013 at 12:56 pm (11 years ago)I love carrot ginger soup, but have never found a recipe I like for it. Can’t wait to try yours, I’ll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for sharing!
jennifer
November 24, 2013 at 5:40 pm (11 years ago)I like the hit of pungent ginger with a sweet carrot soup! I hope you love it as much as I do.
Ashley
November 22, 2013 at 2:51 pm (11 years ago)Oh I love that you topped this soup with the pistachios. I always love their color (and taste too! lol). I can’t get enough soup recipes this time of the year – we make some at least once or twice a week!
jennifer
November 24, 2013 at 5:38 pm (11 years ago)We’ve had such perfect soup weather this past week — I’ve been in a soup mode too!
Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron
November 22, 2013 at 6:17 pm (11 years ago)I love how bright this carrot soup is! And the pistachios are such a great idea!
jennifer
November 24, 2013 at 5:37 pm (11 years ago)It definitely helps to brighten a gloomy day!
Julia
October 3, 2015 at 2:15 pm (9 years ago)Looks yummy
Jennifer Bartoli
October 4, 2015 at 8:40 am (9 years ago)Thanks! It’s a great meal to dig into when temperatures cool down.