Spicy Miso Carrot Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a soup that brightens your day with its bold flavors and comforting warmth, this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is exactly what you need. Bursting with sweet roasted carrots, a punch of ginger and chilli, and the subtle umami richness from miso paste, this soup is a brilliant way to enjoy a nourishing bowl that feels both wholesome and delightfully exciting. Each spoonful dances with layers of spice, earthiness, and a smoky finish from crispy carrot peels, making the Spicy Miso Carrot Soup a favorite that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the complex, inviting flavors and vibrant texture for your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup. From the sweetness of roasted carrots to the fiery kick of fresh chilli, every element is essential in crafting this warming dish.

• Carrots (1 kg): The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue.
• Onion (1 medium): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the carrots.
• Garlic (4 cloves): Provides aromatic warmth and a savory foundation.
• Fresh Ginger (3 cm + extra for oil): Gives a spicy brightness that lifts the soup’s flavor profile.
• Red Chilli (1 for soup + 1 for oil): Infuses a gentle heat that harmonizes with the miso’s umami.
• Miso Paste (3 tbsp): This fermented delight lends the soup its signature savory depth.
• Vegetable Stock (1.6 L): The liquid base that blends everything smoothly together.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for roasting and making the chilli ginger oil to add layers of flavor.
• Mixed Seeds (2 tbsp): Toasted in the chili ginger oil for a nutty crunch and extra texture.
• Spring Onions (2): Fresh garnish adding a crisp bite and vibrant color.
• Reserved Carrot Peels: Roasted until crispy for an unexpectedly addictive topping.
• Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly and balance all those amazing flavors.

How to Make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Vegetables

Start by peeling and slicing the carrots into 1cm pieces, and don’t forget to save those peels – they will become your crunchy garnish! Roughly chop the onion, smash the garlic cloves, slice the ginger thinly, and chop the red chilli. Arrange the carrot peels separately in a small tin, season, drizzle with oil, and roast until crisp. Then, place the rest of the vegetables in a large roasting tray, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until the carrots are tender and caramelized. This roasting step is vital—it concentrates the carrot’s natural sweetness and softens the spices for a silky soup.

Step 2: Make the Chilli Ginger Oil

While the vegetables roast, prepare the chilli ginger oil by slicing fresh ginger into matchsticks and thinly slicing another chilli. Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan, briefly fry the ginger and chilli so their flavors infuse the oil, add mixed seeds for a toasty crunch, and season with salt and pepper. This aromatic oil will bring a lively burst of flavor and texture that makes the Spicy Miso Carrot Soup truly special.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Once the roasted vegetables are tender and fragrant, transfer them to a blender. Add the miso paste and vegetable stock, then blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth and velvety. This part truly transforms the ingredients into the silky base of your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup. The miso enriches the soup with umami, while the stock balances the sweetness and heat.

Step 4: Simmer and Adjust Seasoning

Pour the blended soup into a saucepan and gently simmer for about five minutes. This allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. The soup should be vibrant, warming, and balanced with just the right kick of spice.

How to Serve Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Garnishes

A bowl of Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is not complete without its signature garnishes. Sprinkle over crispy roasted carrot peels for an irresistible crunch, and fresh spring onions for a burst of color and subtle sharpness. Finish it off with a spoonful or two of the chilli ginger oil to drizzle over the top, adding glossy spice and a fragrant finish that lifts every bite.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a star on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, tasty sides. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop or a fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to contrast the richness of the soup. For a more substantial meal, steamed rice or a warm bowl of soba noodles complements the soup’s Asian-inspired notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests or spice up your weeknight dinner, serve your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup in rustic mugs or colorful bowls. Top with a swirl of coconut cream or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra visual appeal. You can even serve it as an elegant starter in small glasses layered with a dollop of yoghurt or a few sprigs of fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for an inviting touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Spicy Miso Carrot Soup keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Store it promptly once cooled to maintain freshness and vibrant flavor. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers an even tastier next-day treat.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep its bright flavor and creamy texture for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of vegetable stock or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Add fresh chilli ginger oil after warming to restore the lively finish that makes this soup so unforgettable.

FAQs

Can I use other types of miso paste?

Absolutely! White miso gives a milder flavor and smoother sweetness, while red miso offers a deeper, earthier taste. Feel free to experiment to find your preferred balance in the Spicy Miso Carrot Soup.

Is this soup vegan and gluten free?

Yes, the Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is naturally vegan and gluten free, provided you use gluten-free miso paste and vegetable stock. It’s a wonderful option for many diets without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is the soup?

The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of fresh chilli in both the soup and the chilli ginger oil. If you want it milder, reduce the chilli or remove the seeds before chopping, and increase if you love a fiery kick.

Can I make the soup in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely! The soup actually benefits from sitting overnight as the flavors meld beautifully. You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently right before serving to impress your guests with minimal stress.

What if I don’t have a blender?

You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or cook the vegetables longer until very soft and mash them thoroughly with a potato masher for a chunkier version of the soup. It won’t be quite as silky, but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the Spicy Miso Carrot Soup will quickly become your go-to recipe whenever you crave comfort with a kick. It’s bright, velvety, and packed with vibrant flavors that warm you from the inside out. There’s just something magical about the combination of roasted carrots, zingy ginger, and that luscious miso umami that makes this soup feel like a big, delicious hug. So, grab your ingredients, get roasting, and dive into a bowl—you won’t regret making this lovely soup part of your kitchen repertoire!

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