A delicious, lighter soup recipe: Carrot and Orange Soup
Are we eating light for the New Year? And by “we,” I mean you and me? It’s a given for me. I’ve got this beach vacation coming up… and there is nothing more awful than feeling fat on the beach. So I’m doing my best to shed whatever poundage I can before I hang out at the beach! Recipes like this Carrot Orange Soup are perfect for those who are watching their calories as the New Year begins. You know… us!
I love this soup recipe for a few reasons.
1. It’s completely comforting and filling, which is great for a lighter soup.
2. The color is mesmerizing.
3. The orange flavor pairs nicely with the carrots, and I dig the hint of cinnamon too.
The texture of this soup is thick. I prefer if that way because it seems more like eating than slurping. If you’d like a thinner soup, you can simply add in more broth. Enjoy your soup and eat it too!
If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you will find a link to the WW Points on the recipe card below.
Carrot and Orange Soup
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 2½ cups chopped yellow onions
- 12 large carrots,) peeled and chopped
- 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth (more to thin, if needed)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (with pulp)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium orange's grated zest
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- fresh thyme (garnish, but can add into the soup, too)
Instructions
- Heat butter in large saucepan. Cook onions in the butter over low heat for 25 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add carrots and broth to the onion mixture and mix well. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the carrots are tender, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup of the broth.
- Remove solids to a blender or food processor using a slotted spoon. Add a small amount of the hot mixture and process until puréed. Return the purée to the saucepan and mix well. Stir in orange juice and reserved broth. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the orange zest.
- Simmer just until heated through, stirring occasionally. Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
- To get more juice from an orange, microwave on high for thirty seconds.
- If you're preparing this recipe as GLUTEN-FREE, just be sure to use a brand of broth that is known to be GF.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Here are a few more carrot soup recipes you may enjoy:
- Carrot- Ginger Soup by Simply Recipes
- Carrot- Coconut Soup by Shutterbean
- Roasted Carrot- Turmeric Soup by Love & Lemons
- Pumpkin- Carrot Soup by Everyday Maven
What a wonderful healthy dish filled with flavor and warmth! Well done.
I am right there with you trying to eat healthy and shed some pounds before a beach vacation. This soup sounds amazing! Love that flavor combo!!!
Soups like this are definitely what I’m craving! Love how brightly hued it is…total happy food!
I love that you added the orange juice! Totally making this – carrot soup is a favorite of ours!