Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup

This Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables that offers both nutrition and flavor. Perfect for cozy dinners or lunch on chilly days, this recipe is easy to prepare and results in a thick, velvety soup packed with natural sweetness. Enjoy it as an appetizer or a main course; it’s versatile enough to suit various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in just 60 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies, it provides essential vitamins and minerals while being low in calories.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of tomatoes and carrots creates a naturally sweet and savory flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own!
• Suitable for Everyone: This soup is dairy-free and gluten-free, making it perfect for various dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking experience and helps achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large cooking pot
• Wooden spatula
• Immersion blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large cooking pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without overcrowding ingredients.
• Wooden spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, ensuring even cooking.
• Immersion blender: Makes blending the soup easy and avoids transferring hot liquid to a blender.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

This nutritious Tomato-Carrot Soup is all made from scratch, packed with fresh veggies. Thick, velvety, & naturally sweet.

Vegetables

• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 5 large ripe tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 small green bell pepper (stem & seeds removed)
• 1 small zucchini
• 4 large carrots (peeled)
• 1 small stick of celery

Flavorings

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme

How to Make Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large cooking pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until caramelized, which means it should turn golden and become completely soft.

Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes

Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook them until they get mushy and release their juices. Stir occasionally using a wooden spatula to avoid sticking.

Step 3: Add Remaining Vegetables

Cut the remaining vegetables into large chunks—green bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, and celery—and add them to the pot as well.

Step 4: Continue Cooking

Cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all vegetables are cooked evenly.

Step 5: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Thyme

Once all veggies have softened, stir in the tomato paste and fresh thyme. Cook for an additional 2 minutes before covering with about 2 liters of water.

Step 6: Simmer the Soup

Simmer the mixture partially covered for about 1 hour or until there’s just enough water left to cover the vegetables slightly.

Step 7: Blend Until Creamy

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches a nice creamy consistency that’s smooth and velvety.

Step 8: Serve Your Soup

I love to serve this soup topped with Homemade Garlic Croutons. Sometimes I add crumbled feta cheese; either way, this combination is simply divine!

How to Serve Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup

Serving Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious ideas to elevate this nutritious dish.

With Homemade Garlic Croutons

• Add crunchy homemade garlic croutons on top for a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the soup’s richness and adds a touch of elegance.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. The combination is satisfying and comforting.

With a Side Salad

• Pair with a light salad made of mixed greens to complement the soup’s flavors and add crunch.

How to Perfect Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup

To ensure your Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use ripe tomatoes: Opt for ripe tomatoes as they provide the best flavor and natural sweetness to the soup.
• Don’t rush caramelizing onions: Take your time when cooking onions; caramelizing them fully enhances their sweetness and depth.
• Blend until creamy: Ensure you blend the soup well until it reaches a smooth consistency; this is key for a velvety texture.
• Adjust seasoning carefully: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt or pepper according to your preference.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered with garlic butter complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with vegetables adds protein and texture to your meal.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables make a hearty accompaniment.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide freshness that pairs well.
5. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls filled with fresh veggies bring a fun crunch alongside your soup.
6. Hummus Dip: A plate of hummus served with pita chips or veggie sticks offers a healthy snacking option that works well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the onion: Onions add depth and sweetness. Always include them for the best flavor.
• Boldly underestimate cooking time: Not cooking veggies long enough can leave them crunchy. Ensure they are tender before blending.
• Boldly ignore seasoning: Failing to season can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed during cooking.
• Boldly rush the blending process: If you don’t blend long enough, the soup may be chunky. Blend until completely smooth for a creamy texture.
• Boldly forget about fresh herbs: Skipping fresh herbs like thyme can lead to a flat taste. Always add them for a burst of flavor.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil; heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup.

What are the benefits of Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup?

This soup is packed with nutrients from tomatoes and carrots. It’s low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C.

Can I customize my Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup?

Absolutely! Add your favorite vegetables or spices. Consider including lentils or chickpeas for extra protein.

How do I make my soup thicker?

For a thicker consistency, blend more thoroughly or add a bit of blended cooked potato.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products.

Final Thoughts

Healthy, Tomato-Carrot Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Give it a try today and enjoy a comforting bowl full of wholesome goodness!