Tomato and carrot soup

Tomato and carrot soup

45 min
Our recipe for tomato and carrot soup shines the spotlight on two of our favourite vegetables. Combining the natural sweetness of carrots with the sweet and tangy tomatoes with just a hint of basil, you get a soup that can be enjoyed all year round. Serve it as a hearty starter or main course with crusty bread and fresh vegetables.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/tomato-and-carrot-soup/

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over high heat but without browning.
  • Sauté onion, garlic, salt, and sugar for approximately 2 minutes.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and cook over low heat with a lid for approximately 20 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
  • Blend the soup in smaller batches (only fill the blender jar ⅓ full). Blend each batch at the fastest speed for approximately 45 seconds or until smooth. Pour the mixture back into the pot and bring it to a boil again.
  • Add the pasta and cook the soup over low heat with a lid for approximately 10 minutes more – stirring occasionally. The pasta should be tender but not soft.
  • Taste and serve immediately with crème fraiche, bread, and a mix of vegetables.
Enjoy!
Choose fresh and firm carrots

Look for carrots that have a deep, consistent colour and feel firm and smooth with no signs of wrinkling. If the carrots still have their tops, these should be green and vibrant, not wilted or yellowed. Lastly, give the carrots a quick sniff; they should have a sweet, earthy smell, which is a good indicator of their freshness. If you are feeling adventurous, mix things up with carrots in other colours like red, yellow, or purple for a fun twist!

Use a high-power blender

To get the smoothest texture in your tomato and carrot soup, we highly recommend using a high-power blender. If you do not have one, any blender will do, but make sure to blend the mixture thoroughly to attain a smooth consistency. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the cooking pot. This ensures a velvety texture, and you avoid any potential spills when transferring hot liquids between containers.

FAQ: Questions about tomato and carrot soup

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about making tomato and carrot soup.

How long does tomato and carrot soup keep well?
When stored properly, tomato and carrot soup can stay fresh for about 3 days. Once it has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat it, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until it is hot enough for your liking.
Can I prepare tomato and carrot soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup up to 3 days before serving. After cooking, let it cool and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you want to enjoy it again, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze tomato and carrot soup?
Yes, you can freeze the tomato and carrot soup for up to 3 month. Make sure it cools completely before you freeze it either in freezer-safe bags or a container suitable for the freezer. Remember to leave a bit of space for the soup to expand once it freezes solid. Warm the soup on the stove when you wish to enjoy it again.

Ingredients

Butter
25 g
Onion, coarsely chopped (approximately 100 g)
1
Large garlic clove, coarsely chopped
1
Coarse salt
1½ tsp
Sugar
1 tsp
Carrots in small pieces (approximately 175 g)
3
Ripe tomatoes or 1 can chopped tomatoes
400 g
Dried basil
1 tsp
Vegetable broth
1 l
Freshly ground pepper
Dried pasta
200 g
To serve
Creme fraiche
200 ml
Coarse bread
240 g
Mixed vegetables, for example, peppers, carrots, and celery
400 g

Homemade tomato and carrot soup with pasta

Even though our tomato and carrot soup looks elegant, it remains remarkably easy to make. Once the ingredients are cooked and become tender, you only need to blend them to a smooth texture. The carrots and tomatoes give the soup a stunning bright red-orange hue, made even more striking with a bit of crème fraiche on top. But it gets even better! Tender pasta swoops in at the end, providing every spoonful with a subtle, satisfying bite.

Natural sweetness from carrots and tangy flavour from tomatoes

Carrots and tomatoes may come across as humble and unassuming on their own, but when combined, they are not to be underestimated. As they cook with the other ingredients, their flavours become more pronounced. While carrots delight with their earthy sweetness, the tomatoes walk a fine line between sweet and tangy, proving the perfect balance for the carrots.

In the mood for more soups? Try our carrot and ginger soup, carrot and lentil soup, simple carrot soup, classic tomato soup, or tomato vegetable soup.

Serve with bread and mixed vegetables

Make our tomato and carrot soup the main course of your weekend dinner by serving it with bread and mixed vegetables. Soup without bread is a big no-no for some; it is like a fireplace without a crackling fire. The bread is perfect for sweeping up any remaining drops of soup.

As for the vegetables, they provide a fresh crisp bite. While you should definitely pick a selection of vegetables you prefer, we recommend a mix of red peppers, carrots, and celery, as they add a nice, crunchy contrast to the smooth texture of the soup.

Make it your own

For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the soup. It will add a subtle, fiery tingle to your taste buds. If you prefer a deeper flavour with smoky undertones, try roasting the vegetables until they are caramelised, and then blend them until smooth.

The creamy base benefits from the additional crunch that comes from crispy bacon bits, croutons, or toasted pine nuts. Crispy bacon provides a salty, smoky flavour, while the croutons can be prepared with herbs, garlic, or chilli, depending on your preferences. Toasted pine nuts add a lovely nutty and slightly buttery note. Have fun trying different toppings!