The other day I looked through my near-empty fridge, belly grumbling, when all I happened upon was some miso paste and old baby carrots that frankly really didn't look appetizing. Not good. I could have just made plain miso soup, but that's boring. Knowing myself (ye who never throws out food and ye who is fairly creative when it comes to cooking), I then remembered this fabulous carrot ginger soup I used to make back-in-the-day. I looked at the carrots, and then the miso. Back at the miso, and then the carrots. I think I heard the Southwest airlines "ding!" go off in my head (I've been traveling waaaaaay too much, obviously), and voila--the soup was born. But wait! There's more! I also happened to have a can of light coconut milk which I thought would add a nice creamy deliciousness to the soup, and boy was I right.
I present to you:
I present to you:
(Dairy-Free) Carrot Ginger (Miso) Soup
1 T powdered ginger
1 T olive oil
1# carrots, peeled and roughly chopped (I use one bag of baby carrots)
2 small/medium onions, roughly chopped (about 2 cups)
2 T miso paste (technically optional, but delicious)
4 C liquid (veg stock, water, or perhaps halfsies with white wine)
2 C water
1 can light coconut milk (technically optional, but delicious)
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and add onions. Sautee for a few minutes on medium heat until translucent, then add the powdered ginger and miso paste. Cook for another minute or two, add the carrots and cooking liquid. Add enough water to bring the liquid to the top of the vegetables. Partially cover with a lid and simmer for at least 1 hour, until the carrots are very tender. Blend with a stick blender in the pot (one of my most favorite kitchen gadgets!) or let cool a bit and blend in a blender. Once thoroughly blended, add the coconut milk and stir. Season to taste (the miso should add enough salt to season the soup properly).
Serving suggestion: Top with nice ripe slices of avocado and a drizzle of flax oil for an added nutritional boost!
How's *that* for a bowl of beauty and deliciousness?!
