Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish to warm your soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying, or for cozy family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a bowl of warmth. Plus, the combination of silky carrots with the depth of miso and a kick of spice makes this soup truly special.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The vibrant flavors and textures will have your loved ones asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delightful soup ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this smooth, flavorful soup, making it a hit at dinner.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with carrots and ginger, this soup is not only tasty but also loaded with vitamins.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add different toppings to suit everyone’s taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful Spicy Miso Carrot Soup. You might even find that you have many of these items already in your kitchen!

For the Soup

• 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
• Vegetable oil for roasting
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

• 1½ cm fresh ginger, cut into matchsticks
• 1 red chilli, thinly sliced
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp mixed seeds
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• Reserved carrot peels, roasted

Variations

This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some sweet potatoes or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spice It Up: Increase the amount of red chilli or add a splash of hot sauce if you’re craving more heat.
• Creamier Texture: Blend in a splash of coconut milk after mixing with vegetable stock for a creamier finish.
• Herb Infusion: Stir in some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving for an aromatic touch.

How to Make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—let’s get that oven heating up! Preheat it to 200°C (or 180°C if you’re using a fan oven). This helps us get those veggies nice and roasted.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

Now it’s time to prep those beautiful carrots! Peel them and cut them into 1cm slices. Don’t forget to reserve those peels; they’ll be our crispy topping later on. Cut your onion into eighths, smash the garlic cloves, thinly slice the ginger, and roughly chop that red chilli.

Step 3: Roast the Carrot Peels

Take those reserved carrot peels and place them in a small roasting tin. Season them with salt and pepper, drizzle with vegetable oil, then toss to coat. Roast them for about 10 minutes until they’re crisp. This adds a delightful crunch as a garnish!

Step 4: Roast the Vegetables

In a large roasting tin, combine the sliced carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, and chopped chilli. Season with salt and pepper again, drizzle with vegetable oil, and give everything another toss. Roast these beauties for around 35 minutes until they are tender—this step brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 5: Make Chilli Ginger Oil

While those vegetables roast away, let’s prepare our spicy topping! Slice that additional ginger into matchsticks along with another red chilli. Heat some vegetable oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add your ginger and chilli, cooking for just one minute before tossing in mixed seeds for another minute. Season it all up with salt and pepper then set aside to cool.

Step 6: Blend Your Soup

Once your roasted veggies are done, transfer them to your blender along with miso paste and vegetable stock. Blend until smooth—this is where all those flavors come together!

Step 7: Simmer

Pour your blended soup back into a saucepan and let it simmer over medium heat for about five minutes. Take this moment to taste your creation; adjust seasoning as needed!

Step 8: Serve It Up

Finally! Divide this gorgeous soup among bowls. Top each one with crispy carrot peels and sliced spring onions, finishing off with spoonfuls of that delicious chilli ginger oil.

Now take a moment to admire your creation before digging in—enjoy every warm spoonful of this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Creating the perfect bowl of Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is easier than you think! Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious result.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh carrots, ginger, and chilli will maximize flavor and ensure your soup is vibrant and aromatic. The more fresh your ingredients, the better the taste!

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder soup, start with less chilli and gradually increase to your desired heat. This way, you can control the spiciness and cater to everyone’s palate.

• Blend thoroughly: Make sure to blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. A silky texture enhances the overall experience and makes each spoonful a delight.

• Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like sesame seeds or fresh herbs. They can add an unexpected twist that elevates the dish beyond expectations.

• Make ahead and freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Prepare a big batch and store in portions for a quick meal later. Simply reheat and enjoy whenever you crave it.

How to Serve Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Serving your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup can be as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ideas for presentation that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Crispy carrot peels: These add texture and a touch of whimsy to your soup while using ingredients you would otherwise discard.
• Fresh coriander or parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped herbs can brighten up the flavors and add a lovely green contrast.
• Toasted sesame seeds: These provide a nutty crunch that complements the silky soup beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, making every bite satisfying.
• Asian-style salad: A fresh salad with cucumber, radish, and sesame dressing adds crunch and balances out the richness of the soup.
• Steamed dumplings: These savory bites make for a delicious side that pairs well with the spicy notes of the soup.
• Rice paper rolls: Filled with crisp vegetables and herbs, these rolls offer a refreshing contrast that complements the warm, hearty soup.

Now you’re all set to whip up this comforting bowl of Spicy Miso Carrot Soup. Enjoy every sip!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. With its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, you can whip up a big batch and savor it whenever you want!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• When ready to enjoy, give the soup a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
• Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short bursts and stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup without miso?

Yes! You can substitute miso with tahini or almond butter for a creamy texture. However, keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly.

What makes Spicy Miso Carrot Soup so special?

The combination of roasted carrots with miso adds depth and umami to this soup. Plus, the spicy chilli ginger oil elevates it with a kick that warms your soul!

How can I adjust the spice level in my Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

To reduce spiciness, use less chilli or opt for a milder variety. Conversely, if you love heat, add more fresh chilli or even a dash of chili flakes when blending!

Can I use different vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even roasting.

Is Spicy Miso Carrot Soup suitable for vegans?

Yes! This recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly, making it a fantastic choice for everyone.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup as much as I do! Its comforting warmth combined with robust flavors creates a nourishing dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy cooking!