If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful soup that feels both nourishing and vibrant, the Carrot Soup with Ginger & Miso Recipe is exactly what you need. This cozy, plant-forward soup combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the spicy warmth of ginger and the umami depth of miso, creating a bowl of pure delight. It’s dairy-free, simple to prepare, and a perfect way to brighten up your mealtime with wholesome ingredients packed full of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Carrot Soup with Ginger & Miso Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the carrots provide a natural sweetness and vibrant color, ginger adds zest and warmth, and miso brings a savory depth that makes this soup truly unforgettable.
- Olive oil or avocado oil: Use a good-quality oil for sautéing to add a smooth, rich base flavor.
- Medium onion, finely chopped: Builds a sweet and savory foundation when gently cooked.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that complements the ginger perfectly.
- Carrots, peeled and cubed: The star ingredient that brings sweetness and a lovely texture to the soup.
- Minced ginger: Adds warmth and a bright, slightly spicy note that awakens your taste buds.
- Vegetable broth (low sodium): Creates the base liquid, keeping the flavors light and fresh.
- Miso paste: Brings a rich, salty umami flavor that elevates the soup into something truly special.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors beautifully.
- Garnishes (optional): Microgreens, sour cream, sesame oil, or chopped scallions add freshness and texture contrast.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Carrot Soup with Ginger & Miso Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive or avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it soften and become translucent—that gentle sweetness is essential for a great soup base. Next, add the minced garlic along with the cubed carrots, cooking them together for 6-8 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the carrots and allows the garlic and onions to meld beautifully. Remember to lower the heat if things start browning too fast to keep those flavors delicate and balanced.
Step 2: Simmer with Ginger, Miso, and Broth
Once your aromatics are perfectly softened, pour in the vegetable broth, then sprinkle in the minced ginger and spoon in the miso paste. Stir everything together, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. If you’re making a larger batch, it might take a bit longer to get those rich flavors fully infused and the carrots tender. This slow cooking allows the ginger and miso to permeate the soup, adding layers of depth and warmth.
Step 3: Blend and Season to Perfection
Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly before using an immersion blender to puree it to a smooth, velvety consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and puree until silky. Now comes the fun part—give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra spoonful of miso if you want that umami punch to shine even brighter. The result should be creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced.
How to Serve Carrot Soup with Ginger & Miso Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your soup is a delightful way to add fresh textures and extra flavor notes. Sprinkle some vibrant microgreens on top for a peppery crunch, add a dollop of creamy sour cream to bring some richness, drizzle a tiny bit of toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma, or scatter chopped scallions for mild sharpness. These little touches take your bowl from simply good to truly memorable.
Side Dishes
This carrot soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or whole-grain bread for dipping. A light, crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the soup’s warmth and earthiness, while simple roasted nuts or seeds on the side add a satisfying bite. These sides help round out the meal without overpowering the delicate flavors in the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends or add a bit of flair? Serve the Carrot Soup with Ginger & Miso Recipe in small shooter glasses as an elegant appetizer or swirl in a swirl of coconut milk for creaminess and visual appeal. You can also top with roasted carrot chips or sprinkle crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top to add fun texture contrasts. Presentation makes the experience even more enjoyable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover carrot soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for busy days ahead. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up and bring it back to that smooth, silky texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of miso for this Carrot Soup with Ginger & Miso Recipe?
Absolutely! White miso is mild and sweet, while red miso has a stronger, saltier flavor. Feel free to experiment and adjust according to your personal taste—just be mindful of the salt content.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the recipe is completely plant-based and dairy-free, making it perfect for vegans. Just be sure to check that your miso paste doesn’t contain any added animal products.
How spicy is the ginger in this soup?
The ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy kick but nothing overwhelming. If you prefer less heat, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your liking as the soup cooks.
Can I use fresh carrots, or are baby carrots okay too?
Fresh carrots are best for the full natural sweetness and texture. Baby carrots can work in a pinch but may be less flavorful. Either way, peeling and chopping them uniformly helps the soup cook evenly.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries! You can use a regular blender in batches. Just be careful not to fill it too full, and let the soup cool a bit before blending to avoid any accidents.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Carrot Soup with Ginger & Miso Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that warms your heart and satisfies your soul with every spoonful. Simple to make, brimming with flavor, and wonderfully versatile, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you taste this vibrant, cozy soup, it’ll be coming back to your table again and again.
PrintCarrot Soup with Ginger & Miso Recipe
This Carrot Soup with Ginger & Miso is a comforting and flavorful plant-forward recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the zesty warmth of ginger and the savory depth of miso. Perfectly smooth and dairy-free, it makes a nutritious and satisfying meal ideal for all seasons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8–10 medium carrots (~2 lb or 900 grams), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 1 quart vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 3–4 tablespoons miso paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Microgreens
- Dollop of sour cream
- Drizzle of sesame oil
- Chopped scallions
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a heavy bottom pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until it softens. Next, add the minced garlic and cubed carrots, continuing to cook for 6-8 minutes. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the onions and garlic from browning too quickly.
- Simmer Soup: Add the minced ginger, low sodium vegetable broth, and miso paste to the pot. Stir well to combine, then cover the pot and let the soup cook gently for about 30 minutes. For larger batches, cooking time may be slightly longer to ensure the carrots are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a blender to puree until completely smooth. Return to the pot if needed.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or more miso paste as desired to enhance the flavor.
- Serve with Garnishes: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with microgreens, a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of sesame oil, and chopped scallions if desired for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 4 servings but can be scaled up for larger batches.
- The soup freezes well and can be reheated later without losing flavor or texture.
- Adjust the amount of miso paste depending on your desired saltiness and depth of flavor.
- To keep the soup vegan, omit the sour cream or substitute with a plant-based alternative.