Carrot Ginger Bisque

It’s officially soup season here at the farm and I realized it’s been far too long since we’ve made a simple carrot ginger soup. I’ve made a lot of versions of this “recipe” in the past with coconut milk or cashew cream. However, this version is made creamy and rich with natural dairy cream which lends the perfect texture and a slight sweetness that pairs so well with the earthy carrots and spicy ginger. This is the kind of simple weeknight meal that warms you from the inside out on a chilly autumn evening. So if you’re in the mood for simple nourishing comfort food, head to your local farmers market this weekend to grab the ingredients for this tasty bisque.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 onions, peeled and chopped
• 2 pounds carrots, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and white pepper
• Crème fraîche or plain yogurt for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Chop the Onions and Carrots: Peel and chop the onions and carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
   Grate the Ginger: Grate the fresh ginger using a fine grater or microplane. This helps distribute the ginger flavor evenly throughout the soup.
2. Cook the Aromatics
   Melt the Butter: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
   Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook, stirring often, until they are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This helps build the base flavor of the bisque.
3. Add the Carrots and Spices
   Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped carrots, grated fresh ginger, and ground nutmeg to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the butter and onions. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add the Broth and Simmer
   Pour in the Stock: Add the chicken stock or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
   Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
   Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Blend the Soup
   Remove from Heat: Take the pot off the heat once the carrots are tender.
   Blend Until Smooth: Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, but the soup may not be as smooth.
   Return to Pot: Pour the blended soup back into the pot.
6. Add the Cream
   Pour in the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, which adds richness and a silky texture to the bisque.
   Season: Season the soup generously with salt and white pepper to taste. Keep the soup warm over low heat until ready to serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve
   Divide and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crème fraîche or plain yogurt. This adds a tangy contrast to the sweet and creamy bisque.
   Optional Garnishes: For additional flavor and presentation, you can sprinkle the dish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
8. Enjoy
   Serve Hot: For a complete meal, serve the carrot ginger bisque hot, paired with crusty bread or a side salad.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Any leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Variations: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Enhancements: For a different flavor profile, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cinnamon. For added texture, top the bisque with roasted nuts or seeds.

Enjoy this rich and flavorful Carrot Ginger Bisque, perfect for warming up on chilly nights and delighting your taste buds with its comforting earthy flavors!