Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting bowl of goodness, this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup will warm your heart and soul. It’s my go-to recipe when I want something nourishing yet exciting. The silky texture of the soup combined with the depth of miso creates a delightful harmony that is truly special. Plus, the spicy chilli ginger oil adds just the right kick, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

This soup not only satisfies your taste buds, but it’s also simple to whip up on busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious soup ready to enjoy in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the smooth texture and vibrant flavor; it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat whenever hunger strikes.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of roasted carrots and umami-rich miso creates an incredibly flavorful dish that will impress everyone at your table.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with crispy carrot peels and spicy ginger oil for added crunch and zing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to come by. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious dish!

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 Garnish

• 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 recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients based on what you have at home.

• Add Some Protein: Toss in some cooked chickpeas or tofu for added protein if you’re looking for a heartier meal.
• Switch Up the Greens: Add spinach or kale during blending for an extra nutrient boost without altering the flavor too much.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in some coconut milk after blending for a rich, creamy texture that enhances the soup’s flavor.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not into too much heat, reduce the amount of chilli or omit it entirely; the soup will still be delicious.

How to Make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan. Next, peel and slice your carrots into 1cm rounds while saving those peels. Cut your onion into eighths, smash your garlic cloves, thinly slice the ginger, and roughly chop your red chilli.

Roasting brings out natural sweetness in veggies while enhancing their flavors. Spread your carrot peels on a small roasting tin; season them with salt and pepper, drizzle with vegetable oil, toss them around, and roast until they’re crisp—about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Main Ingredients

In a large roasting tin, combine your sliced carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, and chopped chilli. Again, season well with salt and pepper before drizzling with vegetable oil and tossing everything together. Roast these goodies for about 35 minutes until tender. This step gives depth to your soup that makes every spoonful delightful!

Step 3: Make Chilli Ginger Oil

While your vegetables roast away beautifully, slice additional ginger into matchsticks and thinly slice another red chilli. In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in some vegetable oil. Add in those matchstick pieces of ginger and sliced chilli; cook them briefly—just one minute! Then toss in mixed seeds and allow them to toast slightly before seasoning everything with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Blend It All Together

Once roasted to perfection, transfer all those lovely vegetables into a blender along with miso paste and vegetable stock. Blend until you achieve that silky smooth consistency we all crave! Pour the blended soup into a saucepan over medium heat; let it simmer gently for about five minutes while adjusting salt levels if needed.

Step 5: Serve Up Your Creation

Now comes the best part! Divide your vibrant Spicy Miso Carrot Soup between bowls. Top each serving with those crispy carrot peels you made earlier alongside sliced spring onions for freshness. Finish things off with generous spoonfuls of your homemade chilli ginger oil—trust me; it’s worth it!

Enjoy every warm sip of this comforting bowl full of flavor!

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Creating the perfect Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is all about enhancing flavors and textures, so let’s dive into some tips that will elevate your cooking experience!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots, ginger, and chillies will give your soup a vibrant flavor. The natural sweetness of fresh carrots really shines through when roasted.

• Don’t Skip the Roasting: Roasting the vegetables adds a depth of flavor that boiling simply cannot achieve. This caramelization brings out the natural sugars in the carrots and enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Adjust Miso to Taste: Different miso pastes vary in saltiness and intensity. Start with less and taste as you go to ensure a well-balanced soup that suits your palate.

• Customize Your Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount of red chilli or leave it out entirely. You can also add more if you crave extra heat!

• Blend Until Smooth: For that silky texture, blend your soup until it’s completely smooth. If you like a chunkier soup, reserve some roasted vegetables before blending and stir them back in after.

How to Serve Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Serving your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ways to present this dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Crispy Carrot Peels: These add a fun crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
• Sliced Spring Onions: They bring a fresh, oniony bite that cuts through the richness of the miso.
• Chili Ginger Oil: Drizzling this on top not only looks fabulous but also enhances the flavor with added heat and zing.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. Choose sourdough or whole grain for extra flavor and texture.
• Edamame Salad: Lightly salted edamame tossed with sesame oil offers a protein-packed side dish that complements the soup perfectly.
• Steamed Rice: A bowl of fluffy steamed rice can round out your meal and soak up all those delicious flavors.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad adds crunch and acidity, helping to balance out the creamy richness of the carrot soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup will not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on your table! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. You can whip up a big batch and store it for those busy days when you need something comforting and nutritious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label your container with the date, so you know when to use it by.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat on the stovetop, pour the soup into a saucepan and warm over medium heat until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Add a splash of vegetable stock or water if the soup is too thick after thawing.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup.

Can I make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup without miso paste?

Yes! If you don’t have miso paste, you can try using tahini as an alternative for creaminess. However, this will change the flavor profile slightly.

What can I serve with Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You could also serve it alongside rice or grain bowls for a more filling meal.

How spicy is Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

The spice level depends on how much chili you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less chili and adjust according to your preference!

Can I add other vegetables to Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! With its silky texture and vibrant flavors, it’s a delightful dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Enjoy making this recipe, share it with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own twists. Happy cooking!