Description
Warm, comforting Carrot Chowder brings rustic charm to winter dining with its velvety smooth texture and rich, hearty flavors. Simmered with aromatic herbs and finished with a touch of cream, this soup promises a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Base:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant essence.
- Introduce diced carrots and potatoes to the pot, then pour in broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and allow vegetables to simmer for 15-20 minutes until they reach a tender consistency.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a rustic blend of chunky and creamy elements. Alternatively, leave the soup in its original state for a more textured experience.
- Enhance the soup’s richness by incorporating milk or heavy cream, seasoning with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors. If a thicker consistency is desired, whisk in a cornstarch slurry and cook until the soup reaches the preferred thickness.
- For an indulgent finish, remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a luxurious and velvety texture.
- Serve the chowder in warm bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a vibrant touch of color and added flavor.
Notes
- Swap dairy for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream to create a vegan-friendly version of this hearty chowder.
- Boost nutrition by adding diced celery or leeks during the initial sautéing stage for extra depth and vegetable goodness.
- Control soup consistency by adjusting liquid amounts – less broth creates a thicker chowder, while more creates a lighter soup.
- Enhance flavor complexity by roasting carrots before adding them to the pot, which intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a subtle caramelized note.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg