I’ve always been a fan of simple, hearty meals that hit the spot. A few years ago, I discovered Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup, and it became an instant favorite in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it-on a chilly, rainy day when all I wanted was something warm and comforting. The recipe was straightforward, using vegetables I already had in my fridge, and it turned into the kind of soup I could drink every day.
Now, whenever I’m looking for something light but filling, this soup is my go-to. It’s a great balance of flavors, with a slight sweetness from the carrots and a mild, earthy undertone from the courgettes (zucchini). I’ve shared this recipe with so many friends, and they’ve all loved it too. So let me take you through this simple yet flavorful dish!
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s version of Carrot Courgette Soup is all about minimalism. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t feel like fussing over a complicated recipe, but you still want something nourishing.
What I love about it is how it brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and the softness of the courgettes, combined with aromatic herbs and a bit of heat from garlic and onion. It’s smooth, creamy, and satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the list of ingredients. When I make this, I keep the basics in my pantry and fridge, and it never disappoints.
- Carrots: You’ll need about 6 medium-sized ones. The sweeter, the better!
- Courgettes (Zucchini): Two medium-sized, chopped. These give the soup a delicate flavor.
- Onion: One large, diced. This adds depth to the soup.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced. Essential for that aromatic base.
- Olive oil: A good glug for sautéing the veggies.
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups to make the soup hearty and comforting.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. These will bring out all the natural flavors.
- Fresh thyme: A few sprigs. This adds a nice, earthy note.
- Lemon: A squeeze at the end brightens everything up.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup
The beauty of this soup lies in how easy it is to make. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe how quickly everything came together.
- Prep the veggies: Peel and chop the carrots into small pieces. Chop the courgettes into rounds. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or so, letting it become fragrant.
- Cook the vegetables: Toss in the chopped carrots and courgettes. Stir everything around for a few minutes to let them soften up.
- Add the broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the soup: Once the vegetables are soft, remove the pot from the heat. Use a hand blender or a regular blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more broth to get the consistency you prefer.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavor. Serve hot, garnished with a bit of fresh thyme.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
When you break down the ingredients, it’s fascinating to see how each one plays a role in the soup’s overall flavor profile and texture.
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, carrots bring natural sweetness and a smooth texture once cooked and blended. Beta-carotene is also a powerful antioxidant, which makes this soup a healthy choice.
- Courgettes (Zucchini): High in water content, courgettes help lighten up the soup and keep it from being too heavy. They’re a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune health.
- Onion and Garlic: These two aromatics form the base of the soup’s flavor. Onions provide sweetness when cooked, while garlic offers that deep, savory richness.
- Vegetable Broth: This ingredient is the liquid backbone, providing flavor depth and making the soup a hearty meal.
- Lemon: Adding acidity from lemon at the end of cooking helps balance out the sweetness of the carrots and courgettes, enhancing the overall flavor.
Expert Tips
- Texture Matters: If you prefer your soup to be chunkier, don’t blend it all the way. Leave some bits of carrot and courgette for added texture.
- Add Spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of chili flakes while sautéing the onion and garlic. It won’t overpower the flavors but will give it an interesting depth.
- Herb Variations: While thyme is great, you could experiment with rosemary or basil. Fresh herbs really elevate the taste.
- Creamy Twist: For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche or a splash of coconut milk after blending. This is perfect for adding richness.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is versatile. Over time, I’ve tried a few variations and each time the soup is just as delicious.
- Add a potato: Throw in a small potato to help thicken the soup and give it a velvety texture.
- Top with croutons: For a crunch, make some homemade croutons. They add texture and a bit of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- Swap the courgette for spinach: If you’re looking to switch things up, try swapping the courgette for fresh spinach. This will turn the soup into a vibrant green color with a slightly different flavor.
- Herb Oil Drizzle: Make a quick herb-infused oil by blending olive oil with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage. Drizzle it over the soup before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Final Words
This soup has become a regular in my kitchen because it’s so adaptable. It’s one of those recipes that you can tweak depending on what you have in your pantry or what flavor profile you’re craving. It’s simple yet satisfying, and perfect for any time of year.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup?
You’ll need carrots, courgettes, onions, garlic, olive oil, vegetable stock, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup?
The soup takes about 30 to 40 minutes to make from start to finish.
Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes really well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.