Look for carrots that have a deep, consistent colour and feel firm and smooth with no signs of wrinkling. If the carrots still have their tops, these should be green and vibrant, not wilted or yellowed. Lastly, give the carrots a quick sniff; they should have a sweet, earthy smell, which is a good indicator of their freshness. If you are feeling adventurous, mix things up with carrots in other colours like red, yellow, or purple for a fun twist!
To get the smoothest texture in your tomato and carrot soup, we highly recommend using a high-power blender. If you do not have one, any blender will do, but make sure to blend the mixture thoroughly to attain a smooth consistency. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the cooking pot. This ensures a velvety texture, and you avoid any potential spills when transferring hot liquids between containers.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions about making tomato and carrot soup.
Butter
|
25 g |
---|---|
Onion, coarsely chopped (approximately 100 g)
|
1 |
Large garlic clove, coarsely chopped
|
1 |
Coarse salt
|
1½ tsp |
Sugar
|
1 tsp |
Carrots in small pieces (approximately 175 g)
|
3 |
Ripe tomatoes or 1 can chopped tomatoes
|
400 g |
Dried basil
|
1 tsp |
Vegetable broth
|
1 l |
Freshly ground pepper
|
|
Dried pasta
|
200 g |
Creme fraiche
|
200 ml |
---|---|
Coarse bread
|
240 g |
Mixed vegetables, for example, peppers, carrots, and celery
|
400 g |
Even though our tomato and carrot soup looks elegant, it remains remarkably easy to make. Once the ingredients are cooked and become tender, you only need to blend them to a smooth texture. The carrots and tomatoes give the soup a stunning bright red-orange hue, made even more striking with a bit of crème fraiche on top. But it gets even better! Tender pasta swoops in at the end, providing every spoonful with a subtle, satisfying bite.
Carrots and tomatoes may come across as humble and unassuming on their own, but when combined, they are not to be underestimated. As they cook with the other ingredients, their flavours become more pronounced. While carrots delight with their earthy sweetness, the tomatoes walk a fine line between sweet and tangy, proving the perfect balance for the carrots.
In the mood for more soups? Try our carrot and ginger soup, carrot and lentil soup, simple carrot soup, classic tomato soup, or tomato vegetable soup.
Make our tomato and carrot soup the main course of your weekend dinner by serving it with bread and mixed vegetables. Soup without bread is a big no-no for some; it is like a fireplace without a crackling fire. The bread is perfect for sweeping up any remaining drops of soup.
As for the vegetables, they provide a fresh crisp bite. While you should definitely pick a selection of vegetables you prefer, we recommend a mix of red peppers, carrots, and celery, as they add a nice, crunchy contrast to the smooth texture of the soup.
For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the soup. It will add a subtle, fiery tingle to your taste buds. If you prefer a deeper flavour with smoky undertones, try roasting the vegetables until they are caramelised, and then blend them until smooth.
The creamy base benefits from the additional crunch that comes from crispy bacon bits, croutons, or toasted pine nuts. Crispy bacon provides a salty, smoky flavour, while the croutons can be prepared with herbs, garlic, or chilli, depending on your preferences. Toasted pine nuts add a lovely nutty and slightly buttery note. Have fun trying different toppings!