Carrot Soup Recipe- Winter Warmer!

As winter approaches, its time for more Soups in our meals. I haven't experimented with a lot of soups, but when I tasted this delicious Creamy Carrot Soup at a restaurant up in the Jungfrau mountain in the Swiss Alps, I became an instant fan! It was rich and creamy, yet had a beautiful flavor, and a wonderful blend of spices that just accentuated the pureed carrot base. I knew I had to try to recreate it at home, and at the second attempt, I think I've nailed it! It has everything you'd ask for in a hearty vegetarian soup - garlic, curry powder, whipping cream, a hint of coconut milk, and garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, this is one Creamy Carrot Soup recipe that is fit for the wintery days ahead! Off it goes to the Ultimate Fall Recipe Swap:)


Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
Adapted from the Curried Carrot Soup recipe at Chow.com

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds carrots - peeled & sliced
1 large onion - finely chopped
6 garlic cloves - peeled
5 whole cloves
4 cups water
2 tbsp coconut milk
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
pinch of sugar
1/2 tsp curry powder (optional)
1/4 cup chilled whipping cream
fresh cilantro or parsley - for garnish

Method
Heat oil in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, garlic, curry powder and cloves and saute until onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes.

Add 3 1/2 cups water. Cover and simmer until carrots are very soft, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

Remove the cloves from broth and discard. Puree soup in batches in a blender. Return soup to same saucepan. Mix in lemon juice and sugar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Beat the whipping cream and coconut milk together. Now add this to the soup and allow to simmer for a few more mins.

While serving, transfer the Curried Carrot Soup into bowls. Drizzle some more cream if desired, and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Related Recipes:
Vegetable Hot & Sour Soup
Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Tofu & Basil Thai Soup