I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s carrot and courgette soup. It was one of those days when I felt like I needed something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I had a few carrots, some courgettes, and a handful of other basics-so I decided to give it a go. The soup turned out rich, velvety, and with a surprising depth of flavor considering how simple the ingredients were. Ever since then, this recipe has become a go-to for me when I want something quick and nourishing. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Courgette Soup Recipe
This soup is everything you want from a quick homemade dish. It’s light, fresh, and bursting with flavor from just a handful of ingredients. I’ll never forget the first time I made it: the smell of sautéing onions and garlic filling my kitchen was pure comfort. When you blend the carrots and courgettes with a touch of stock, you get this smooth, vibrant soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s one of those recipes that turns a couple of veggies into something magical.
Here’s how Jamie Oliver brings these two vegetables together:
- Simple and quick
- Deliciously comforting
- Ideal for both beginner and seasoned cooks
- Nutrient-packed
- Can be adapted easily
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this soup lies in how few ingredients it requires. Each one plays a role in bringing the soup’s flavor to life. These are the essentials I always keep on hand when I make it:
- Carrots (around 5 medium-sized) – The sweetness of the carrots forms the base of this soup. They balance out the earthiness of the courgettes perfectly.
- Courgettes (2 large) – Courgettes are mild and tender when cooked, and they blend beautifully with the carrots.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp) – To sauté the onions and garlic, giving the soup that rich base flavor.
- Onion (1 large) – Adds sweetness and depth. I like using a yellow onion, but red works well too.
- Garlic (3 cloves) – Brings a savory punch to balance the natural sweetness of the veggies.
- Vegetable stock (1 liter) – I always use homemade stock when I have it. It enhances the soup’s flavor and adds that cozy depth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) – To season. I like a good pinch of both to bring out the natural sweetness.
- Optional fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) – For a fresh, green kick at the end.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Courgette Soup
Making this soup is a straightforward process. It’s one of those recipes where you don’t need to worry about technique; it’s more about enjoying the process and savoring the outcome.
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Prepare Your Veggies
Peel and chop the carrots into small rounds. Slice the courgettes into half-moons. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
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Sauté The Base
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they soften. Then, add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Add The Carrots And Courgettes
Toss the carrots and courgettes into the pot. Stir them around to coat them in the oil and onion mixture. Let them cook for 5-6 minutes, just until they start to soften.
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Add Stock And Bring To A Simmer
Pour in the vegetable stock, enough to cover the vegetables. Bring it all to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
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Blend The Soup
Once the veggies are soft, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches) to blend the soup until smooth.
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Season And Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
What makes this soup so special is how the ingredients work together, creating a harmony of flavors. Here’s the science behind some of the key players:
- Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, carrots are antioxidant-rich and great for eye health. Their natural sweetness adds a lovely balance to the dish, especially when cooked down.
- Courgettes: These are low in calories but high in water content, which helps keep the soup light and refreshing. Courgettes also contain potassium, which supports heart health.
- Olive oil: Full of healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil not only gives the soup a rich mouthfeel but also helps you absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables.
- Onions and garlic: Both these ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting qualities, and onions add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked.
Expert Tips
- Adjust texture: If you like a thicker soup, add less stock. For a lighter texture, add a little more.
- Make ahead: This soup gets even better the next day. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Add cream or yogurt: For an extra creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt after blending.
- Spices: Try adding a pinch of ground cumin or coriander for a warm, earthy flavor. It’ll change the soup’s character and take it in a new direction.
- Toppings: A dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of roasted seeds can add texture and contrast to the smooth soup.
Recipe Variations
This soup is versatile, and you can play around with ingredients and flavors to make it your own.
- Add potatoes: Swap some of the courgettes for potatoes to create a heartier, thicker soup.
- Roast the veggies: Roasting the carrots and courgettes before adding them to the soup gives a lovely caramelized flavor.
- Spicy kick: If you like some heat, add a small chopped chili to the base when sautéing the onions.
- Herb variations: Experiment with fresh basil or dill instead of parsley for a fresh herbal note.
Final Words
Making this carrot and courgette soup is so satisfying, not only because it’s easy but also because you know it’s healthy and nourishing. It’s the kind of recipe you can make over and over again, tweaking it based on what you have in your kitchen or what you’re in the mood for. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable and a great way to use up any veggies that are starting to look a little tired in your fridge.
FAQs
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Courgette Soup Take To Cook?
The soup takes about 30 minutes to cook, including prep time.
Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Courgette Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just let it cool before freezing and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add To The Carrot And Courgette Soup?
You can add vegetables like onions, celery, or even a handful of spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.