Irresistible Spicy Miso Carrot Soup Recipe to Savor
There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s as comforting and vibrant as Spicy Miso Carrot Soup. This recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something nourishing and flavorful. The silky smooth texture combined with the umami depth of miso makes every spoonful a delightful experience. Plus, this soup is versatile enough to serve at a casual family dinner or even impress guests at a gathering.
Not only is this soup delicious, but it also packs a punch of nutrients from fresh carrots and ginger. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and soul, leaving you feeling satisfied yet light. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to share, this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup will surely become a go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Rich in flavor: The combination of miso, ginger, and chilli creates an explosion of taste that delights your palate.
– Healthy ingredients: Packed with carrots and fresh veggies, this soup is nutritious and wholesome.
– Simple to prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up a comforting meal in no time.
– Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this soup fits right into any menu.
– Great for leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful Spicy Miso Carrot Soup. You’ll find that these ingredients are not only easy to source but also bring out the best flavors in this dish.
For the Soup
– 1 kg carrots, peeled and sliced (about 7.8 cups / 2 lb)
– 1 medium onion, cut into eighths
– 4 cloves garlic, smashed
– 3 cm fresh ginger, thinly sliced
– 1 red chilli, roughly chopped
– 3 tbsp miso paste
– 1.6 L vegetable stock
– Vegetable oil for roasting
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chilli Ginger Oil
– 1½ cm fresh ginger, cut into matchsticks
– 1 red chilli, thinly sliced
– 4 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp mixed seeds
– 2 spring onions, sliced
– Reserved carrot peels, roasted
Variations
One of the beautiful things about soups is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
– Swap out the vegetables: Try adding sweet potatoes or butternut squash for added sweetness and variety.
– Add some protein: Toss in some cooked chickpeas or tofu for an extra protein boost.
– Make it creamy: Stir in coconut milk instead of vegetable stock for a richer texture.
– Spice it up more: If you love heat, add more chillies or even some red pepper flakes.
How to Make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Heat your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan. Preheating ensures that your vegetables roast evenly and develop that lovely caramelization that enhances their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables
Peel and cut the carrots into 1cm slices while reserving the peels. Cut the onion into eighths. Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of your knife to release their flavor. Thinly slice the ginger and roughly chop the red chilli. This preparation step lays the foundation for deep flavor development.
Step 3: Roast Carrot Peels
Place the reserved carrot peels in a small roasting tin. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with vegetable oil, and toss to coat. Roast for about 10 minutes until they’re crisp. These crispy peels will add an exciting texture contrast as a garnish later on.
Step 4: Roast Vegetables
In a large roasting tin, toss together sliced carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, and chopped chilli with salt and pepper along with some vegetable oil. Roast them for approximately 35 minutes until tender. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness while infusing them with layers of flavor.
Step 5: Prepare Chilli Ginger Oil
While your vegetables are roasting, slice additional ginger into matchsticks and thinly slice another red chilli. Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and chilli; cook for about one minute until fragrant before adding mixed seeds for another minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste then set aside to cool.
Step 6: Blend Your Soup
Transfer roasted vegetables into a blender along with miso paste and vegetable stock. Blend until smooth – this gives your soup its signature velvety texture!
Step 7: Simmer
Pour blended soup into a saucepan over medium heat and simmer for about five minutes to meld all those delicious flavors together. Don’t forget to taste it! Adjust salt levels if needed – we want it just right!
Step 8: Serve
Divide your beautifully blended soup between bowls. Top each serving generously with crispy carrot peels and sliced spring onions before finishing off with a spoonful or two of that vibrant chilli ginger oil you’ve made earlier.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of Spicy Miso Carrot Soup! It’s truly comforting and brings joy to any meal occasion.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup
Making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup can be a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can elevate your dish even further. Here are some actionable suggestions to ensure your soup is absolutely delicious.
– Use fresh ingredients: Fresh carrots, ginger, and chillies will enhance the flavor profile of your soup, making it more vibrant and aromatic.
– Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of red chilli used. You can always add more spice later if you want a kick!
– Blend thoroughly: For a silky-smooth consistency, make sure to blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. This will give you that luxurious texture that’s so enjoyable.
– Taste and season: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed; sometimes a pinch more salt or miso can make all the difference.
– Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with your garnishes! Adding different herbs or seeds can bring new flavors and textures to each bowl.
How to Serve Spicy Miso Carrot Soup
Serving your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup in an inviting way enhances the dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish beautifully.
Garnishes
– Fresh herbs: Chopped cilantro or parsley can add a refreshing touch to your soup.
– Drizzle of sesame oil: A light drizzle of sesame oil just before serving can provide a lovely nutty flavor.
– Croutons: Crunchy croutons can offer a delightful contrast in texture.
Side Dishes
– Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread pairs perfectly for dipping into the soup.
– Simple salad: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
– Rice or quinoa: Serving over rice or quinoa can make for a heartier meal.
– Pickled vegetables: A side of pickled veggies adds brightness and acidity that balances the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping is a fantastic way to enjoy this delicious soup throughout the week. Here’s how to manage storage effectively.
Storing Leftovers
– Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
– Let the soup cool entirely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers.
– Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
– Reheat on medium heat in a saucepan until warmed through, adding a splash of water or stock if necessary to adjust consistency.
FAQs
Have questions about making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup? Here are some common inquiries that might help you out!
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to blend in other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips for added flavor and nutrition.
Is miso paste vegetarian?
Most miso paste is vegetarian, but it’s always good practice to check labels as some may contain fish products. Look for varieties labeled as vegan if you’re avoiding all animal products.
How can I vary the flavors?
You can experiment by adding different spices such as cumin or coriander, which will give your soup an exciting twist while maintaining its core essence.
Can I make this soup spicy without using chillies?
Absolutely! You could use chili powder or cayenne pepper instead if you prefer not using fresh chilies. Just start with small amounts until you reach your desired heat level.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making and savoring this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup! It’s perfect for warming up on chilly days or impressing friends at gatherings. Don’t hesitate to personalize it according to your tastes—get creative! Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting bowl of goodness, and happy cooking!
Spicy Miso Carrot Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan.
- Peel and cut the carrots into 1cm slices while reserving the peels. Cut the onion into eighths. Smash the garlic cloves. Thinly slice the ginger and roughly chop the red chilli.
- Place the reserved carrot peels in a small roasting tin. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with vegetable oil, and roast for about 10 minutes until crisp.
- In a large roasting tin, toss together sliced carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, and chopped chilli with salt, pepper, and vegetable oil. Roast for approximately 35 minutes until tender.
- While your vegetables are roasting, slice additional ginger into matchsticks and thinly slice another red chilli. Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan, add ginger and chilli, and cook for about one minute. Add mixed seeds and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer roasted vegetables into a blender along with miso paste and vegetable stock. Blend until smooth.
- Pour blended soup into a saucepan over medium heat and simmer for about five minutes.
- Divide the soup between bowls. Top with crispy carrot peels and sliced spring onions, and finish with a spoonful of chilli ginger oil.
