If you’ve been searching for a cozy, vibrant, and utterly comforting bowl to brighten up your mealtimes, this Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe is just the ticket. With naturally sweet carrots melding beautifully with fragrant coriander and a zing of lime, this soup is both simple and sophisticated — perfect for warming up chilly days or impressing friends with minimal effort. It’s a vibrant hug in a bowl that balances freshness with depth, all while being incredibly easy to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe plays a starring role, from the rich butter that gives a luscious base to the fresh coriander that lifts the whole dish with a herby brightness. These simple ingredients come together to create a beautiful balance of flavor, color, and texture.
- 2 tbsp butter: Provides a creamy richness that softens the aromatics and adds depth.
- 1 large onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and body to the soup when softened.
- 1 kg carrots (chopped): The star ingredient bringing natural sweetness and vivid orange color.
- 750 ml vegetable stock: Creates the perfect base liquid that carries all the flavors.
- 2 tsp ground coriander: Offers a warm, citrusy note that harmonizes beautifully with the carrots.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balances the sweetness.
- Salt (to taste): Essential to bring all the flavors to life.
- 1/2 lime (juice) (optional): A touch of acidity to brighten and elevate the soup.
- 2 handfuls fresh coriander: For garnish and an extra burst of fresh herbal flavor.
- Cream or crème fraîche: Adds a silky finish if you want extra indulgence.
- Chilli flakes: For those who like a subtle kick.
- Fresh bread: Perfect for dipping and enjoying alongside.
How to Make Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions in Butter
Start by warming up your pot over medium heat, then add the butter. Once it’s nicely melted and hot, in go your finely chopped onions. Fry them gently until they turn soft and translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor—slow-cooked onions bring out a sweetness that complements the carrots perfectly.
Step 2: Add Carrots and Stock
Next, toss in the chopped carrots and pour in the vegetable stock. Let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This simmering step is crucial as it melds the flavors and tenderizes the carrots for that velvety texture.
Step 3: Puree the Soup Until Smooth
Grab your stick blender or countertop blender and pulse the soup until it’s luxuriously smooth. This creamy consistency is what makes the Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe so satisfying — silky, comforting, and utterly inviting.
Step 4: Season and Add Lime Juice
Return the pureed soup to low heat if needed and stir in the ground coriander, black pepper, and salt to taste. Finally, squeeze in the optional lime juice to add a fresh, bright tang that lifts the entire flavor profile. This final seasoning step is where the soup truly comes alive.
Step 5: Ready to Serve or Store
You can serve your soup straight away, decorated with fresh coriander and a drizzle of cream or crème fraîche, or let it cool and stash it in the fridge or freezer for later. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
How to Serve Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh coriander leaves are the classic topping, adding vibrant green freshness and aroma. A swirl of cream or crème fraîche not only makes the soup creamier but also adds a beautiful contrast to the bright orange. For a bit of heat, sprinkle some chilli flakes on top — they give just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats fresh crusty bread served alongside this soup — perfect for dipping and soaking every last drop. A side salad with a citrusy dressing pairs brilliantly too, providing extra crunch and lightness, making the entire meal feel balanced and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or visually stunning meal, serve the soup in small espresso cups or shot glasses as a sophisticated starter. Alternatively, drizzle a herb oil or a few toasted seeds on top for textural interest. Layering flavors and colors not only makes it taste delightful but also turns the Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe into a feast for the eyes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in a tightly sealed container to preserve freshness and flavors. When you’re ready for a cozy dinner, just give it a quick reheat on the stove.
Freezing
The Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. Avoid high heat which can cause the soup to separate. Add a splash of water or stock if it looks too thick. A final fresh coriander garnish can revive the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh coriander instead of ground coriander in the recipe?
Fresh coriander brightens the soup as a garnish and finishing touch, but ground coriander is essential during cooking to infuse the warming, citrusy flavor throughout. You can add extra fresh coriander if you love its punchy herbal notes.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! Just swap butter for a plant-based alternative, and choose a vegetable stock without animal ingredients. Everything else in the Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe is naturally vegan.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Definitely. Adding a pinch of chilli flakes while cooking or as a garnish is a great way to introduce heat without overpowering the soup’s delicate sweetness.
How do I ensure the soup is silky smooth?
Using a strong stick blender or countertop blender is key. Blend in batches if needed and keep blending until completely smooth. Straining through a fine sieve is optional but can elevate the texture even more.
What can I serve if I want a heartier meal?
Adding a dollop of cream or some crunchy toasted seeds on top boosts texture and richness. Pair the soup with a protein-rich salad or a toasted sandwich for a filling and satisfying feast.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace every time you eat it. Its vibrant color, balanced flavors, and inviting aroma make it a truly special recipe to have in your repertoire. Give it a try — I promise it will brighten your meals and quickly become a favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you care about.
Print
Carrot and Coriander Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Carrot and Coriander Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with fresh carrots, aromatic coriander, and a touch of lime juice. Perfect as a light lunch or starter, it features a smooth, creamy texture achieved by pureeing the cooked vegetables. Garnished with fresh coriander, crème fraîche, and a sprinkle of chili flakes, this soup is easy to prepare and perfect for warming up on chilly days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 kg carrots, chopped
- 750 ml vegetable stock
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ½ lime, juice (optional)
- 2 handfuls fresh coriander
- Cream or crème fraîche, for serving
- Chilli flakes, for garnish
- Fresh bread, to serve
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Sauté Onions: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted and hot, add the finely chopped onions and cook for a few minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add Carrots and Stock, then Simmer: Add the chopped carrots to the pot, pour in the vegetable stock, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the carrots are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Puree the Soup: Using a stick blender or transferring the soup to a countertop blender, puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Season the Soup: Return the pureed soup to the pot if needed and place it on low heat. Stir in the ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and optional lime juice to brighten the flavor. Heat gently to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with fresh coriander, a dollop of cream or crème fraîche, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Serve immediately with fresh bread, or allow the soup to cool before refrigerating or freezing for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Using unsalted butter allows you to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- Fresh, organic carrots provide the best sweetness and flavor for the soup.
- Ground coriander adds a warm, citrusy flavor that complements the carrots perfectly.
- Lime juice is optional but adds a refreshing acidity that lifts the soup’s overall taste.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cream or omit the cream topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International/Modern British
