Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Silky smooth, Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that makes it perfect for any occasion. This soup combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the umami depth of miso, finished off with a spicy chili ginger oil that adds an exciting kick. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this soup stands out for its vibrant taste and comforting texture. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and it’s sure to be a hit at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
• Flavorful Depth: The combination of miso paste and roasted vegetables creates a rich, satisfying taste that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in different seasonal vegetables or spices to make this recipe your own.
• Healthful Option: Packed with nutrients from carrots and ginger, this soup is both delicious and nourishing.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time; it stores well in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Spicy Miso Carrot Soup, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Blender
• Roasting tin
• Large saucepan
• Small saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: A good blender ensures your soup is perfectly smooth, blending all the ingredients seamlessly.
• Roasting Tin: Using a roasting tin allows for even roasting of vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Large Saucepan: A large saucepan is necessary for simmering your blended soup without spilling over.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.

Ingredients

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

For Roasting

• Vegetable oil for roasting
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Chili Ginger Oil Garnish

• 1½ cm fresh ginger, cut into matchsticks
• 1 red chilli, thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil

For Topping

• 2 tbsp mixed seeds
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• Reserved carrot peels, roasted

How to Make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

Peel and cut the carrots into 1cm slices, reserving the peels. Cut the onion into eighths. Smash the garlic cloves. Thinly slice the ginger. Roughly chop the red chilli.

Step 3: Roast Carrot Peels

Place the carrot peels in a small roasting tin. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with vegetable oil, and toss to coat. Roast for 10 minutes or until crisp.

Step 4: Roast Vegetables

Place the sliced carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, and chili in a large roasting tin. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with vegetable oil, and toss to coat. Roast for 35 minutes or until the carrots are tender.

Step 5: Make Chili Ginger Oil

Slice additional ginger into small matchsticks and thinly slice the red chilli. Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan. Add ginger and chilli; cook for 1 minute. Then add mixed seeds and cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside to cool.

Step 6: Blend Soup

Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender. Add miso paste and vegetable stock; blend until smooth.

Step 7: Simmer

Pour blended soup into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt level as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Divide soup between bowls. Top each bowl with crispy carrot peels, sliced spring onions, then finish with a spoonful or two of chili ginger oil.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Spicy Miso Carrot Soup, perfect as a starter or main dish!

How to Serve Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Serving Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is all about enhancing its flavors and making it visually appealing. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro or Parsley: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Chili Flakes: A pinch of chili flakes can boost the heat and add a lovely visual element.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Serve slices of warm sourdough for dipping, which complements the soup’s richness.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Toasted Nuts: Chopped toasted almonds or cashews provide a delightful crunch.
• Seeds Mix: A mix of sunflower and pumpkin seeds offers both crunch and nutrition.

Serve with Rice or Quinoa

• Steamed Rice: A bowl of fluffy rice can be served alongside for a heartier meal.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can complement the soup while adding protein.

How to Perfect Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Perfecting your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup involves a few simple techniques that enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots, ginger, and chili will significantly improve the soup’s taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of chili in the recipe to suit your spice preference.
• Blend Until Smooth: Ensure you blend the soup thoroughly for a silky texture; this makes a huge difference.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your soup before serving to adjust seasoning as necessary.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette balances the rich soup.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables make for an excellent crunchy contrast.
3. Rice Paper Wraps: Fill rice paper wraps with veggies and herbs for a refreshing side that complements the flavors.
4. Savory Muffins: Cheese or herb muffins provide a flavorful bite that pairs well with the soup’s warmth.
5. Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame adds protein and is easy to prepare—perfect for snacking!
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted with spices offer sweetness that balances out the spicy notes in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

• Not roasting the vegetables long enough: Roasting enhances the flavors of the carrots and onions. Make sure to roast them until they’re tender and caramelized.
• Using too much miso paste: Miso adds depth but can be overpowering. Start with less and adjust according to your taste preference.
• Skipping the crispy carrot peels: These add a delightful crunch to the soup. Don’t skip this step; they elevate the dish significantly.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Always taste your soup before serving. You may need extra salt or pepper to bring out the flavors.
• Blending too early: Let the roasted vegetables cool slightly before blending, as this allows for better texture and flavor integration.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat soup in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Spicy Miso Carrot Soup that might help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I customize Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables or spices based on your preferences. Sweet potatoes or bell peppers could work well.

What can I serve with Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. Consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.

How do I make it spicier?

To increase the heat, add more chopped red chilli or a dash of chili flakes during cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

Is Spicy Miso Carrot Soup vegan-friendly?

Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based, making it suitable for vegan diets.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner option or a satisfying meal prep idea, this soup is sure to please. Give it a try and enjoy its deep flavors and comforting warmth!