Aunt Vera'S Carrot Soup
A hearty, flavorful carrot soup with aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for any season, boasting natural sweetness and savory depth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Chop onion, celery, and garlic, then add to the saucepan.
- Chop potatoes and carrots.
- Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on high for 4 hours or on low all day, or simmer in a pot on the back burner all day.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup after cooking. You can substitute butter with olive oil for a healthier option. If you don't have thyme, rosemary or oregano can work as well. Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors. This soup can also be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the carrot soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful contrast, enjoy it alongside Chilled Red Pepper Soup for a vibrant, multi-course experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a little extra stock or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Vera'S Carrot Soup contains roughly 751 calories, with 20g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (182% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2196mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this carrot soup?
Absolutely! You can customize the soup by adding vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even some greens like spinach. Just ensure that the cooking times are similar to the original ingredients to maintain the soup's texture.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. You can also serve the soup with a drizzle of hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
Yes, this carrot soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).