Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness, this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is just what you need! This soup is not only silky smooth and delicious but also packed with flavor that warms the soul. The combination of sweet roasted carrots, savory miso, and a kick of spicy chili ginger oil makes it truly special. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something satisfying and delightful.

I love how easy it is to whip up this recipe with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your meals! Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a tasty soup on the table in no time!
• Family-Friendly: The balanced flavors make this soup appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: It stores well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
• Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with vitamins from the carrots and the goodness of miso, it’s a wholesome choice.
• Deliciously Versatile: You can easily tweak the spices or add different toppings for a new twist each time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup features simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

For the Soup Base

• 1 kg (35¼ oz) 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 Topping

• 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 best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add More Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during blending for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, try adding more chilies or a dash of hot sauce!
• Creamy Twist: Stir in some coconut milk after blending for a creamier texture.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish for added freshness.

How to Make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Step 1: Roast Your Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan. This step is key because roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and enhances their flavor. Peel and slice your carrots into 1cm rounds while reserving those peels—they’ll become crispy garnishes! Cut your onion into eighths, smash your garlic cloves, thinly slice the ginger, and roughly chop your red chili.

Step 2: Prepare for Roasting

Place those lovely carrot peels in a small roasting tin. Season them with salt and pepper, drizzle with vegetable oil, and toss to coat. Roast for about 10 minutes until they’re crisp—trust me; they will add an amazing crunch later on!

Step 3: Roast the Soup Base

In a large roasting tin, combine the sliced carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, and chopped chili. Season with salt and pepper again before drizzling with vegetable oil. Toss everything together to ensure even coverage. Roast these beauties for about 35 minutes until tender; this caramelization process adds layers of flavor!

Step 4: Prepare Your Chili Ginger Oil

While those veggies are roasting away, slice additional ginger into matchsticks and thinly slice another red chili. Heat up some vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add in your ginger and chili; cooking them for just one minute will release their aromatic oils! Toss in mixed seeds next, cooking for another minute until they’re fragrant. Season with salt and pepper before setting aside to cool.

Step 5: Blend It All Together

Once your roasted veggies are ready, carefully transfer them to a blender. Add in your miso paste along with the vegetable stock—this is where all that depth of flavor comes from! Blend until smooth; this step ensures that every spoonful is velvety.

Step 6: Simmer Your Soup

Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for about five minutes while stirring occasionally—this allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t forget to taste it at this point; feel free to adjust the salt if needed!

Step 7: Serve It Up

Now comes the fun part! Divide your creamy soup between bowls. Top each bowl generously with those crispy carrot peels we made earlier along with sliced spring onions. Finally, don’t hold back on drizzling that spicy chili ginger oil on top—it’s such an incredible finishing touch!

Enjoy every sip of this warming Spicy Miso Carrot Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Making this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup can be an enjoyable experience, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll be crafting the perfect bowl of comfort in no time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh carrots, garlic, and ginger enhance the flavor significantly. The vibrancy of fresh produce allows the natural sweetness of the carrots to shine through.

• Adjust spice levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less chili in your ginger oil. You can always add more later, ensuring that everyone at your table enjoys the soup.

• Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sugars and adds depth to the soup. This step transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special.

• Blend until smooth: For a luxurious texture, ensure that you blend the soup until completely smooth. A high-speed blender works wonders, making every spoonful velvety and delightful.

• Taste as you go: Always taste your soup before serving! Adjusting salt levels at the end ensures a well-seasoned dish that will please your palate.

How to Serve Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Serving this soup is just as important as making it. With vibrant colors and enticing flavors, it deserves to be presented beautifully!

Garnishes

• Crispy carrot peels: These not only add texture but also reinforce the carrot flavor.
• Sliced spring onions: Fresh and crunchy, they bring a hint of sharpness that balances the richness of the soup.
• Cilantro or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and a fresh note that brightens up each bowl.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your spicy miso carrot soup, adding a satisfying crunch.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
• Grilled vegetable skewers: Colorful skewers filled with seasonal vegetables are not only visually appealing but also provide a smoky flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
• Rice or grain bowls: A side of jasmine rice or quinoa can turn your meal into a heartier option while soaking up all those delicious flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup will not only taste amazing but also look inviting on any table! Enjoy every comforting spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If you have garnishes, such as crispy carrot peels or chilli ginger oil, store them separately to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For easy serving, consider freezing in individual portions.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave on defrost setting.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of vegetable stock if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Spicy Miso Carrot Soup.

Can I adjust the spice level in Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the red chilli according to your preference. Alternatively, try adding more ginger for a different kind of warmth!

What can I substitute for miso paste in Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

If you need a substitute, tahini can offer a similar creaminess. Just be aware that it won’t replicate the umami flavor of miso entirely.

How long does Spicy Miso Carrot Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Is there a way to make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that any added ingredients, like oils and seeds, are plant-based.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this comforting bowl of Spicy Miso Carrot Soup! Its vibrant flavors and silky texture make it a special addition to any meal. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or just looking to warm up on a chilly day, this soup is sure to delight. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how it turns out!

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