Simple Carrot Soup Recipe: 5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes

The simplest carrot soup recipe requires just 5 ingredients—4 cups chopped carrots, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic, add carrots and broth, simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Looking for an effortless meal that's both nutritious and comforting? This simple carrot soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something wholesome without complicated steps. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you can make it creamy without dairy, boost flavor with spices, or customize it based on what's in your kitchen.

Why This Simple Carrot Soup Recipe Works

Unlike complicated recipes that require specialty ingredients, this version focuses on pure flavor with minimal effort. The natural sweetness of carrots shines through when prepared correctly, creating a velvety texture without added cream. Many "easy" recipes compromise on taste, but our tested method ensures depth of flavor while keeping preparation straightforward.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Carrot Soup

Quality ingredients make all the difference in simple recipes. Here's what you'll need for the best results:

Ingredient	Amount	Prep Notes
Carrots	4 cups (about 6 medium)	Peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
Yellow onion	1 medium	Diced finely
Garlic	2 cloves	Minced
Vegetable broth	4 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	Or butter for richer flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these straightforward steps for foolproof carrot soup every time:

Saute aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add carrots and liquid: Pour in chopped carrots and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer until tender: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots are fork-tender.
Blend until smooth: Carefully transfer to a blender (in batches if needed) and blend until velvety. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Season and serve: Return to pot, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and warm through before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Elevate your easy homemade carrot soup with these professional techniques:

Texture control: For ultra-smooth soup, strain through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
Flavor boost: Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin or coriander during sauteing for depth.
Creaminess without dairy: Blend in 1/2 cup cooked white beans for richness.
Sweetness balance: A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the natural sweetness.
Time saver: Use pre-chopped carrots from the produce section for quicker prep.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile soup pairs beautifully with:

Fresh crusty bread or garlic toast
A dollop of plain yogurt or coconut cream
Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
Roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch
A simple green salad for a complete meal

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Your quick carrot soup for beginners will stay fresh when stored properly:

Refrigeration: Keep in airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezing: Portion into freezer bags (lay flat) for up to 3 months
Reheating: Warm gently on stove over medium-low heat, adding broth if too thick

Simple Variations to Try

Customize this basic recipe with these easy adaptations:

Curried carrot soup: Add 1 tablespoon curry powder with the onions
Ginger carrot soup: Include 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
Roasted carrot version: Toss carrots with oil and roast at 400°F for 25 minutes before adding to pot
Spicy kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes while sauteing

Nutritional Benefits

This healthy simple carrot soup delivers impressive nutrition in every bowl:

Rich in beta-carotene (converts to vitamin A)
Excellent source of dietary fiber
Low in calories (approximately 120 per serving)
Naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free
Packed with antioxidants from whole food ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this carrot soup without a blender?

Yes, though the texture will be chunkier. Simmer the carrots until very soft (25-30 minutes), then mash with a potato masher. For smoother results without blending, strain through a sieve after cooking.

How can I make this soup creamier without dairy?

Blend in 1/2 cup cooked white beans or 1/4 cup raw cashews with the soup. Both options add creaminess while keeping the recipe dairy-free and vegan. Roasting the carrots first also enhances natural sweetness and texture.

What's the best way to store leftovers?

Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave 1-inch headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Absolutely. Chicken broth works well and adds a different flavor profile. For best results with chicken broth, reduce salt slightly as it's often saltier than vegetable broth. This substitution makes the soup non-vegetarian but equally delicious.

Why did my carrot soup turn out watery?

This typically happens when using too much broth or not simmering long enough. For thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to reduce liquid. You can also blend in a few cooked potatoes or white beans to naturally thicken the soup without altering flavor significantly.