Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Courgette Soup is a light yet hearty dish, perfect for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal. Combining the natural sweetness of carrots with the delicate taste of courgettes (zucchini), this soup is not only packed with nutrients but also easy to prepare. It’s ideal for a quick lunch or a simple dinner, especially when served with some crusty bread.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Nutrient-Packed: Filled with vitamins and antioxidants from fresh vegetables.
- Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep and cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy days.
- Light Yet Satisfying: A great option for those who want a lighter meal without compromising on flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store it for future meals.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
What is Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup?
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Courgette Soup is a smooth and creamy soup made by simmering fresh carrots and courgettes with herbs and spices, then blending them into a velvety consistency. It’s a nutritious, wholesome meal that’s both simple and delicious, perfect for any time of the year.
Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), chopped
- 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
- 100ml (1/2 cup) cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Carrots and Courgettes
Stir in the chopped carrots and courgettes, making sure to coat them in the oil. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening.
3. Add the Stock and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and add the dried thyme. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots and courgettes are tender.
4. Blend the Soup
Remove the soup from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender and blend in batches until smooth.
5. Add Cream (Optional)
For a creamier texture, stir in the cream at this stage. Heat the soup gently over low heat for another 5 minutes, making sure not to let it boil.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping and soaking up the soup’s smooth, flavorful broth.
- Grilled Cheese: Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for a more filling meal.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad provides a crisp contrast to the creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables on the side for extra heartiness.
- Crackers: Serve with whole-grain crackers for some crunch.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup
- Use Fresh Herbs: For a brighter flavor, consider adding fresh thyme or basil just before serving.
- Control the Consistency: If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup and leave the rest as is.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for a deeper, earthy flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, skip the cream or use coconut milk for a creamy, non-dairy alternative.
- Garnish Creatively: Top with a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of yogurt for added texture and richness.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup
- Add Ginger: Grate fresh ginger into the soup for a spicy, zesty kick.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Creamy Coconut: Replace cream with coconut milk for a rich, tropical twist.
- Add Lentils: Stir in red lentils for extra protein and heartiness.
- Herb Variation: Use fresh rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup
- Refrigeration: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Transfer the soup to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave space in the container for expansion.
- Labeling: Always label your containers with the date to track freshness.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup Leftovers
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Avoid Boiling: Reheat gently to preserve the soup’s texture and flavor without overcooking.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Courgette Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I add other vegetables to Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Courgette Soup?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. Just ensure the added vegetables are cooked through before blending.
Can I make Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup without cream?
Absolutely. The soup is delicious even without cream, and you can substitute it with coconut milk or simply leave it out for a lighter version.
How long does Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup last in the fridge?
This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Courgette Soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the best of fresh vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a comforting dinner, this soup provides a healthy and satisfying option. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your personal taste. Enjoy it with a side of bread, a salad, or even on its own for a nutritious, warming meal!
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs Curry
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Laksa Soup
- Jamie Oliver Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
- Jamie Oliver Honey Roasted Parsnips And Carrots
Jamie Oliver Carrot Courgette Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Courgette Soup is a smooth and creamy soup made by simmering fresh carrots and courgettes with herbs and spices, then blending them into a velvety consistency. It’s a nutritious, wholesome meal that’s both simple and delicious, perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients
-
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
-
- 1 large onion, chopped
-
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
-
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
-
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), chopped
-
- 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
-
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
-
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
-
- 100ml (1/2 cup) cream (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped carrots and courgettes, making sure to coat them in the oil. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and add the dried thyme. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots and courgettes are tender.
Remove the soup from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender and blend in batches until smooth.
For a creamier texture, stir in the cream at this stage. Heat the soup gently over low heat for another 5 minutes, making sure not to let it boil.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.