Carrot soup is one of those comforting vegetarian recipes that never goes out of style. With its vibrant color, sweet and earthy flavor, and velvety texture, it’s a staple in kitchens around the world.
Whether you’re preparing for a chilly evening or searching for a light lunch, vegetarian carrot soup is nourishing, simple to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. Best of all, it’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and can easily be made vegan with the right swaps.
In this post, I’ll share not just one, but several delicious vegetarian carrot soup recipes—each with its own twist! From classic creamy carrot soup to zesty ginger-infused versions and hearty lentil blends, you’ll find inspiration for every season and mood.
These carrot soup recipes are perfect for meal prep, dinner parties, or whenever you want a bowl of vibrant comfort. With wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be amazed at how a humble bag of carrots can be transformed into a gourmet meal.
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile and Customizable: Carrot soup is a blank canvas. Add spices, herbs, or even extra veggies to suit your taste.
- Nutritious: Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants. These soups are low in calories and high in vitamins.
- Quick and Easy: Most recipes require minimal prep and cook in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy texture and natural sweetness make this soup a true comfort food.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days. The flavors deepen as it sits!
Ingredients
Here’s a handy table for the basic classic carrot soup, followed by a list for each variation below:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Carrots | 1.5 lbs (about 6 large) |
Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Optional: Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece, grated |
Optional: Cream or coconut milk | 1/2 cup, for extra creaminess |
Creamy Ginger Carrot Soup
- 1.5 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
Curried Carrot Lentil Soup
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Roasted Carrot and Fennel Soup
- 1.5 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 bulb fennel, sliced
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp thyme (optional)
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet (for roasted variations)
- Blender or immersion blender
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
Instructions
Basic Creamy Carrot Soup
- Prep the vegetables: Peel and chop the carrots, onion, and garlic. If using ginger, peel and grate it.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add carrots and broth: Add the chopped carrots and pour in the vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until carrots are very tender.
- Blend until smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until silky smooth.
- Add cream (optional): Stir in coconut milk, heavy cream, or plant-based milk for extra creaminess. Heat through, then taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Creamy Ginger Carrot Soup
- Follow steps 1-4 from above, making sure to add the grated ginger with the garlic.
- Stir in coconut milk at the end for a rich, aromatic finish.
Curried Carrot Lentil Soup
- Heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until golden.
- Add curry powder and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add carrots, rinsed red lentils, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes.
- Blend half or all of the soup (depending on your preferred texture). Adjust seasoning and serve with cilantro.
Roasted Carrot and Fennel Soup
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots, fennel, onion, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until caramelized and tender.
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a pot. Add vegetable broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
For even more hearty and healthy soups, check out our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating!
Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Make it vegan: Use coconut or oat milk in place of dairy cream.
- Protein boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas, lentils, or white beans for a heartier meal.
- Texture play: Leave some chunks for a rustic feel, or blend until ultra-smooth for a velvety finish.
- Garnish ideas: Try roasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of yogurt, fresh herbs, or chopped nuts.
- Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze portions for easy weeknight dinners.
- Flavor fusion: Add orange zest and juice for a bright citrusy twist or a spoonful of miso for umami.
“Soup is the song of the hearth… and the home.” — Louis P. De Gouy
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for a serving (about 1.5 cups) of the classic carrot soup:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Protein | 2g |
Fat | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugar | 8g |
Vitamin A | 380% DV |
Vitamin C | 15% DV |
(Values will vary depending on add-ins like coconut milk, lentils, or toppings.)
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread: Pair your soup with a slice of sourdough or a homemade vegan loaf for a satisfying meal.
- Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or a grain bowl for added nutrition.
- Sandwiches: A classic grilled cheese or veggie sandwich makes a cozy combo.
- Toppings: Try a swirl of vegan béchamel, herbed oil, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Appetizer: Serve smaller portions in mugs at a dinner party or holiday gathering.
Conclusion
Carrot soup is a staple in any vegetarian kitchen, offering comfort, nutrition, and endless room for creativity. Whether you opt for the classic creamy version, spice it up with ginger or curry, or add lentils for extra protein, you’ll find that each soup brings its own personality to the table.
Plus, these recipes are easy enough for beginners and sophisticated enough to impress guests. The best part?
They freeze beautifully, making meal prep a breeze.
Ready to explore more vegetarian delights? Try our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or discover global flavors with Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals.
Carrot soup is just the beginning—let your creativity shine!
Listicle: Vegetarian Carrot Soup Recipes to Try
Because you’re searching for “vegetarian carrot soup recipes,” here are some delicious variations to inspire your next meal:
- Classic Creamy Carrot Soup – Smooth, simple, and always satisfying. This is your go-to recipe for busy nights.
- Ginger Carrot Soup – Add a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger for a subtle heat and aromatic twist.
- Curried Carrot Lentil Soup – A hearty, protein-packed option with red lentils and a spoonful of curry powder.
- Roasted Carrot and Fennel Soup – Oven-roasting the veggies creates deep, caramelized flavors perfect for autumn.
- Carrot and Orange Soup – Add the zest and juice of one orange for a sweet, citrusy brightness.
- Spicy Thai-style Carrot Soup – Use red curry paste, coconut milk, and a squeeze of lime for bold, exotic flavor.
- Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup – Combine equal parts carrot and sweet potato for a naturally creamy, sweet blend.
- Carrot, Apple, and Parsnip Soup – A subtly sweet and earthy soup perfect for winter gatherings.
- Carrot Miso Soup – Stir in a tablespoon of white miso at the end for umami depth and extra nutrition.
- Chunky Carrot Vegetable Soup – Skip the blender and add peas, corn, and white beans for a rustic, stew-like meal.
Don’t forget to explore more veggie-forward comfort food with our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and for a sweet finish, try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Carrot Soup
Description: A creamy, comforting carrot soup packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add carrots, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches.
- Stir in coconut milk and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 140 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 19 g
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