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
I adore the color of this soup! And it sounds so fresh! Perfect for the beginning of the year!
The more veggies the better, especially after last month. 🙂 I love my soup, and this is so pretty! The flavor combination sounds delicious as well!
Looks lovely and light and refreshing Lori!
Love the orange in there Lori! Not a combo I would have come up with but it really sounds perfect. Have fun at the beach!!
Mmmm….love carrot soup. We made something similar in one of my dietetics classes last year and we were all immediately addicted.
Holy pretty soup! I LOVElovelove how bright and orange it is..it just LOOKS healthy!
I would have never thought to pair carrots and orange, so I am alll ova this one! Pinned 🙂
Love the idea of orange to brighten up the thickness of a carrot soup. And I like that this recipe doesn’t rely on heavy spices to create flavor. Sounds yummy, hope to try it soon!
I am totally ready to lighten up (my stomach and digestive system is telling me this too….TMI?!….sorry) I have never tried or even heard of the orange and carrot combo….especially in soup. Cannot wait to try!!!! And the color is eye popping =)
I’ve never heard of carrot and orange soup but my goodness – it sounds like the answer to world peace. It’s beautiful in that bowl!
I’m making this tonight! I’m so excited!