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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once soft and cooled slightly blend thoroughly in a large blender or with a stick blender. Season to taste if needed.