Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting and delightful dish to warm your soul, I have just the recipe for you: Spicy Miso Carrot Soup! This soup is not only silky smooth but also packed with flavor from the miso and a kick from the spicy chili ginger oil. It’s one of those recipes that brings a little sunshine to any day, whether it’s a chilly weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. The gentle sweetness of carrots combined with the umami depth of miso makes it irresistible!

This soup is perfect for busy evenings when you want something quick yet satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make in batches, so you can enjoy it all week long. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it just might become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a bit of prep and roasting time, you’ll have a delicious soup on the table in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: The mild sweetness of carrots makes this soup appealing to kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: It stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep a breeze.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables, this soup is as healthy as it is tasty.
• Versatile Flavor: The spicy chili ginger oil adds a unique twist, but feel free to adjust it according to your spice preference!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful Spicy Miso Carrot Soup, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best things about this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add More Veggies: Throw in some chopped sweet potatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in some coconut milk at the end for a creamy version of this soup.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add an exciting layer of flavor—just mix them in before serving!
• Swap the Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, replace the red chili with sweet bell peppers for milder flavor.

How to Make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Start by heating your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan. Peel and slice your carrots into 1cm pieces while reserving the peels for garnish later. Place those peels in a small roasting tin; season them with salt and pepper, drizzle some vegetable oil over them, and toss well. Roast these crispy treats for about 10 minutes until they’re nice and crisp!

Step 2: Roast the Soup Ingredients

In a large roasting tin, combine the sliced carrots, onion, smashed garlic cloves, thinly sliced ginger, and roughly chopped red chilli. Season again with salt and pepper, drizzle with vegetable oil, then toss everything together. Roast these ingredients for about 35 minutes until they’re tender—this step caramelizes those natural sugars in the veggies, giving your soup incredible depth of flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Chili Ginger Oil

While your veggies are roasting away, slice up some fresh ginger into matchsticks and thinly slice another red chilli. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm up some vegetable oil. Add your matchstick ginger and slices of chilli; cook them gently for about a minute until fragrant. Then toss in mixed seeds and give them another minute before seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Set this aside to cool—this will be an amazing garnish!

Step 4: Blend It All Together

Once your vegetables are roasted to perfection, transfer them into a blender along with miso paste and vegetable stock. Blend until everything is smooth; it should look creamy and inviting! Pour this blended goodness into a saucepan over medium heat and let it simmer for about five minutes. Taste it—you may want to adjust the salt level at this stage if needed.

Step 5: Serve Up Your Masterpiece

Now comes the fun part! Divide your beautiful Spicy Miso Carrot Soup among bowls. Top each bowl generously with crispy carrot peels, sliced spring onions, and finish off with that fabulous chili ginger oil you prepared earlier. Enjoy every spoonful of warmth!

Pro Tips for Making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Making this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is a delightful journey, and a few handy tips can make your cooking even more enjoyable.

• Choose vibrant carrots: Fresh, bright orange carrots not only look appealing but also have a sweeter flavor that enhances the soup’s taste.
• Experiment with miso varieties: Different types of miso (like white, yellow, or red) can change the depth of flavor in your soup. Try them out to find your favorite!
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of red chilli; conversely, add more for an extra kick. This flexibility allows you to personalize the dish to suit your taste.
• Blend until silky smooth: For the best texture, blend the soup thoroughly. A high-powered blender works wonders to achieve that velvety consistency.
• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a batch in advance and store it in the fridge; just reheat and enjoy.

How to Serve Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Presenting your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup can be as fun as making it! Here are a few ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Crispy carrot peels: The roasted peels add a delightful crunch and a splash of color on top of your soup.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped cilantro or parsley can brighten up the dish with fresh flavors that complement the richness of the miso.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into this creamy soup, adding to its comfort factor.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the soup.
• Steamed dumplings: These can provide an Asian flair that pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of miso and ginger in your soup. Choose vegetable dumplings for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Rice paper rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with crisp veggies and herbs serve as a light side that balances out the richness of the soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a cozy meal that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy every spoonful of your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge, making it an easy option for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Here’s how to store your delicious soup properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• The soup freezes beautifully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• For convenient portions, consider freezing in individual servings.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You can also microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Spicy Miso Carrot Soup that might help you in your cooking journey.

Can I adjust the spice level in Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of red chilli used or remove the seeds if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, add more chilli to increase the heat according to your taste.

What can I substitute for miso paste in Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

If you don’t have miso paste on hand, you can use tahini or a combination of soy sauce and nut butter as a substitute. Just be aware that this will alter the flavor profile slightly.

How long does Spicy Miso Carrot Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in airtight containers, Spicy Miso Carrot Soup will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I add other vegetables to my Spicy Miso Carrot Soup?

Yes! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrients. Just remember that different cooking times may apply.

Is Spicy Miso Carrot Soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This soup is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep as it stores well and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and warmth—perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite spices and toppings! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delightful aromas!