This carrot star anise soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for chilly nights. The combination of the sweet carrots, aromatic star anise, and savory spices makes this soup flavorful and satisfying. It's also easy to prepare, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve this soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the chopped carrots, vegetable broth, star anise pods, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- Remove the star anise pods from the soup and discard them. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, if necessary. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth until desired consistency is reached.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot.
- Enjoy your delicious carrot star anise soup!
Interesting Facts
Star anise is not actually related to anise, but they share a similar flavor profile.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and other beneficial nutrients.
Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized with various herbs, spices, and toppings.