I remember the first time I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s carrot and courgette soup recipe. It was during one of those days when I was looking for something healthy but hearty to satisfy my cravings. I had just come back from the market with bags full of fresh produce, and the thought of blending vibrant, fresh vegetables into something comforting sounded perfect.
I didn’t have a clue that this soup would become a go-to in my kitchen for quick, nutritious meals. The combination of carrots and courgettes (or zucchini, depending on where you’re from) was simple yet magical. It’s one of those recipes where you feel like you’re doing something good for your body without compromising on taste.
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Courgette Soup Recipe
Jamie Oliver is known for his fresh, accessible approach to cooking, and this soup is no exception. It’s light but still filling, and it packs a punch with flavor from just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s perfect when you’re in need of a quick meal after a busy day or just want something light and healthy.
What I love most is that Jamie uses ingredients that are always available, and his method is so straightforward. There’s no need for fancy equipment or techniques. You’ll likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need. It’s a simple list of everyday items that combine to create a rich, flavorful soup:
- Carrots – The star of the soup. Fresh, sweet, and packed with nutrients. I usually grab a few medium-sized ones.
- Courgettes (Zucchini) – Mild and slightly sweet. They blend beautifully into the soup and add a nice, smooth texture.
- Onion – A classic base ingredient to add depth to any soup. I like to use a small to medium-sized onion.
- Garlic – A couple of cloves, finely chopped. It gives the soup a rich, savory backbone.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the veggies. You can use butter, but olive oil keeps it lighter.
- Vegetable Broth – For that added richness and to help everything blend together. I prefer homemade broth, but store-bought works too.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning. I always season to taste but go easy on the salt and let the veggies shine.
- Fresh Herbs – You can use parsley, thyme, or rosemary. I’ve gone with thyme most times.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Courgette Soup
Making this soup is incredibly straightforward. No complicated steps or hard-to-master techniques here:
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Prepare The Vegetables
- Peel and chop the carrots into small rounds or chunks.
- Slice the courgettes into half-moons or chunks, depending on your preference.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic.
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
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Cook The Carrots And Courgettes
- Add the chopped carrots and courgettes to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
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Add Broth And Simmer
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and tender.
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Blend The Soup
- Once everything is cooked through, use a hand blender (or a regular blender in batches) to purée the soup until smooth and creamy. Add water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
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Season And Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. You can also drizzle in a little more olive oil for extra richness.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each of the ingredients in this soup plays a role that goes beyond just flavor. Let’s take a deeper look at the science behind a few key ingredients:
- Carrots: These are loaded with beta-carotene, which is the precursor to Vitamin A. This makes them great for eye health, boosting the immune system, and even promoting healthy skin. Cooking carrots actually makes the beta-carotene more bioavailable to the body.
- Courgettes (Zucchini): Courgettes are a powerhouse of water and fiber, which makes them excellent for hydration and digestive health. They also contain antioxidants, like Vitamin C, that can help reduce inflammation.
- Olive Oil: It’s well-known for its monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin E that help protect cells from damage.
- Garlic: Allicin, the sulfur compound found in garlic, is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s said to support heart health and even reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Expert Tips
If you want to elevate this soup even further, here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Roast the Veggies First: Roasting the carrots and courgettes before adding them to the soup will bring out their natural sweetness. Just toss them in olive oil and a pinch of salt, then roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Add a Dash of Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors. It adds a pop of freshness that really brings the soup together.
- Blend Until Smooth: The smoother the better, in my opinion. If you like a more rustic texture, you can leave it a bit chunky, but I prefer a velvety consistency.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Nothing beats dipping some crispy, warm bread into a bowl of this creamy soup. I usually make a quick sourdough or buy a baguette.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about this soup is how flexible it is. Here are some easy variations to mix things up:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want some heat. You can also add a finely chopped red chili when sautéing the onion.
- Creamy Twist: For a richer soup, stir in some cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This gives it an even smoother texture and a touch of indulgence.
- Protein Boost: For added protein, you can stir in cooked lentils, beans, or even grilled chicken. This makes the soup more filling for a complete meal.
- Herb Swap: If you’re out of thyme, try rosemary or basil. You could even add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens.
Final Words
This carrot and courgette soup is everything you need in a comfort dish: simple, healthy, and satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that gets better the more you make it, and it’s just as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with a few variations, you can’t go wrong with this.
FAQs
How Do You Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Courgette Soup?
You start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add chopped carrots and courgettes. Simmer with vegetable stock, season, and blend until smooth.
Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Courgette Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes really well. Just let it cool, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Courgette Soup?
It pairs well with crusty bread, a dollop of yogurt, or some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.