Carla Hall’s Spicy Carrot and Ginger Soup

This carrot and ginger soup recipe demonstrates “Top Chef” contestant and cohost of “The ChewCarla Hall’s deft touch with nourishing ingredients. It’s also the type of healthy everyday food she favors that leaves room for some well-chosen indulgences. She uses herbal tea bags as bouquet garni to infuse flavor and silken tofu instead of heavy cream to give this carrot soup body. Unsweetened carrot juice underscores the flavor of the fresh carrots while coconut water adds a subtle tropical note. “Using vegetable and fruit juices in addition to or in place of stock is another way to add layers of flavor,” says Hall.

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Slow Cooker Carrot Soup with Warm Spices and Blood Orange

By Cheryl Sternman Rule

In wintertime especially, there’s nothing more comforting than coming home to a pot of simmering soup. This carrot version has a secret ingredient–a cup of diced, kabocha squash–which plays beautifully with the spices and citrus drizzle.

carrot-soup-recipe1-1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and diced (or, if they’re organic and thin-skinned, just give them a scrub)
1 cup diced, peeled kabocha squash (from a 1/2 pound wedge)
1 medium onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 tablespoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Generous pinch ground cloves
3-1/2 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock, or low-sodium canned broth
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons sour cream, plus 2 teaspoons for serving
Juice from 1/2 blood orange (about 1-1/2 tablespoons)

Place the carrots, squash, onion, ginger, spices, and stock in the crock of a slow cooker in the order given. Season with salt and pepper. Place on the lid, set to low, and allow to simmer for about 8 hours, or until vegetables are very tender.

Unplug the slow cooker. Puree the vegetables using an immersion blender.

Whisk in 3 tablespoons of the sour cream.

To serve, divide among 6 bowls, topping each bowl with a tiny dollop of additional sour cream and a few drops of blood orange juice.

Serves 6