Carrot and Orange is my favourite soup of all time. I think I’ve been making it since my mum showed me how in my late teens. It has been a staple in my house ever since as it’s nice and easy. I often make it in the slow cooker, or my Ninja 8 in 1 using the simmer function if I need to go out.

Carrots and oranges are both rich in nutrients that support immunity, heart health and eye health. They contain beta carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A in the body which supports vision and the immune system to do it’s job. Vitamin A is also required for healthy skin, so this is a great soup I recommend for my problem skin clients. This soup is also rich in Vitamin C and other plant antioxidants so it’s a bit of an all round nutritional power house.

 

Carrot & Orange Soup

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1kg carrots, washed and ends cut off but no need to peel

2 large oranges, zest of and juice of

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1 litre of stock – I often use Marigold low salt boullion powder when making for the kids, but any stock will do

Salt and Pepper to taste – do taste it first, I often find it doesn’t need it depending on the stock I use

Method

  1. Gently heat the olive oil in a large saucepan/casserole pan with a lid over a low – medium heat and add the onion, sweat it gentle by adding a lid. Onion should soften in around 5 mins.
  2. Add your chopped carrot and mix, replace the lid and allow to sweat for another 5-10 mins. Don’t let it burn or stick so make sure the heat is low and you stir it now and then to stop it sticking.
  3. Grate the zest off the oranges, then cut them open to juice them (by hand or with a little press). Add the zest and juice of the oranges, the stock, the paprika and ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil then allow it to simmer gentle for around 45 mins or until the carrots and nice and soft. I will often do the whole soup in a slow cooker with a saute function, or one that allows me to leave it whilst I go out on a nice low simmer.
  4. Once soft and cooled slightly blend thoroughly in a large blender or with a stick blender. Season to taste if needed.