No matter the season, carrot soup is comforting and is especially savoury with this no-fuss carrot top ‘pesto’. The next time you get carrots with its leaves intact, consider using them. Carrot top leaves are similar to parsley in taste with a hint of carrot flavour.
If you care to, please share your creations of my recipes by using the hashtag #milkandmarigolds or tag your post on Instagram @milkandmarigolds
Carrot-Turmeric Soup with Carrot Top Pesto
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yields: 4 small bowls / 2 lrg Author: Milk and Marigolds
Soup Ingredients:
4 large carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 leeks, diced
1 large potato (120g or 10oz), diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp Kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
A few generous turns of black pepper
1 900ml carton unsalted chicken or veg broth
1 to 1.5 cups of water depending on preferred consistency
Carrot Top Pesto: (Yields 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup packed carrot top leaves off stems (or parsley)
1/2 packed cup fresh basil
7 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 small garlic clove (microplaned or grated very finely)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp plus a pinch of salt
a few turns of black pepper
Suggested Garnish:
fresh basil
carrot top leaves
sautéed leeks
sautéed carrots
chili flakes
extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1.Start by preparing the soup. Make the pesto once the soup is cooking. Wash, peel, prepare and dice your vegetables.
2.Add 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil to a medium- large sized pot at medium heat. Add the leeks once the oil is warmed and start to sauté them. Cook for about 5 minutes, stir. Remove a small sautéed amount of the leeks as garnish for later.
3.Then add the diced celery to the pot. Continue to stir. After a few minutes, add the remaining vegetables and the garlic. Sauté for a few more minutes while taking care that the garlic doesn’t brown or burn.
4.Next, add in your spices and seasonings (salt, pepper, ground cumin and turmeric) and stir for a minute or so. Follow by adding the broth and water and cover the pot. Bring to a light boil and then lower the heat to a simmer on low-medium heat. Simmer for about 45 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally. Follow by pureeing the soup. Keep in mind that the pesto will add some extra salt and seasoning to the soup once added/served.
5.In the meantime, prepare the carrot top pesto. If you don’t have carrot tops available then parsley makes for a good replacement. You can certainly do this step by hand or by using a food processor. Roughly mince the carrot top leaves and fresh basil (reserve some whole leaves for garish).
6. Combine the minced greens with the fresh lemon juice, finely grated garlic, salt and pepper and then slowly whisk in the olive oil. Drizzle on top of the soup when ready to serve.
Copyright 2015 © Milk & Marigolds
milk & marigolds 