German Carrot Cream Soup with Orange Recipe
Creamy carrot soup with the addition of orange juice is a popular German version of carrot soup for cooler days. It combines the sweetness of carrots with a delicate citrus note, a bit like a cross between Polish carrot cream soup and French bisque, just without the seafood. It works perfectly as a warming first course for a weekend lunch or as a light dinner with a slice of bread.
The combination of sweet carrots and bright orange juice gives this soup a distinctive, refreshing flavor while still being comforting and creamy. It’s simple to make, yet feels a bit more elegant than everyday vegetable soup.
Chef's tips
Adjust the amount of orange juice to your taste – some oranges are sweeter, others more tart. If your stock is salty, season the soup only at the end. For an extra smooth texture, pass the blended soup through a fine sieve.
How to serve
Serve in warmed bowls, topped with a swirl of cream or yogurt and a few pumpkin seeds or croutons for crunch. A slice of rustic bread or a simple grilled cheese sandwich makes it a complete meal.
Ingredients
- carrot peeled, sliced - 600 g
- potatoes peeled, diced - 150 g
- onion diced - 1 piece
- butter - 20 g
- vegetable stock - 900 ml
- orange juice freshly squeezed or 100% from a carton - 150 ml
- cream 30% or 18% - 60 ml
- ginger fresh, finely grated, optional - 5 g
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Preparation
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until it softens and becomes slightly translucent.
- Add the carrots and potatoes, stir and sauté for another 3–4 minutes so the vegetables can lightly brown.
- If using ginger, add it now and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to release its aroma.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat so the soup only gently simmers.
- Cook covered for about 18–20 minutes, until the carrots and potatoes are very soft – check by piercing with a fork.
- Remove the pot from the heat and carefully blend the soup with a hand blender until smooth. If it is too thick, add a little water or stock.
- Pour in the orange juice and cream and mix thoroughly. Return the pot to low heat and warm for 2–3 minutes, without letting it come to a full boil.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper, taste, and if needed add a little more orange juice or cream.
Storage
Store the cooled soup in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it without the cream for longer storage. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or stock if it has thickened too much.
