A Perfect Soup for This Ever-Changing Weather!

Warm or Cool Carrot Soup with Coconut and Lime Saturday before last I left my winter coat on the coat rack, pushed my boots to the back of the closet, and opened the door to 70 degree temperatures. But, what a difference a week can make this time of the year. The following weekend the low was in the teens, and gusty winds made things even chillier. As a cook, I’ve been questioning what to serve during such mercurial weather. Then I remembered a delectable carrot soup scented with coconut and lime (from, Soup Nights)  that could be served warm or cool.

Thick and creamy with a vibrant orange hue, this dish is both quick and simple to prepare. Onions and carrots sautéed in butter are simmered in chicken stock and coconut milk, then turned into a smooth puree. Lime juice balances the carrots’ sweetness, while cilantro provides a nice herbal note.

I first sampled this soup in a small neighborhood café in Paris. A warming bowl of the soup made an excellent lunch, but much to my surprise, when I recreated it at home, I discovered that this potage was equally tempting when served at room temperature or chilled. Voilà—an answer for what to serve on a chilly or a warm day during this in between season.

 

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Warm or Cool Carrot Soup with Coconut and Lime

3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced about 1/4-inch thick
One 13.5 to 14-oz can light coconut milk (see market note)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable stock
Kosher salt
4 tsp fresh lime juice
4 tsp chopped cilantro, for garnish

1. In a large, heavy saucepan (with a lid) over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the carrots and stir 4 more minutes.

2. Add the coconut milk, chicken broth or vegetable stock, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are very tender, 25 minutes. Cool slightly. Puree the soup in a food processor, blender or food mill, and return it to the pot. (Or, use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot.) Stir in the lime juice. Taste and season with more salt if needed.

3. If serving chilled, cool, cover, and refrigerate 5 hours or overnight. After the soup is well chilled, taste and season with more salt if needed since chilled soups often need extra seasoning. (The soup can be prepared 2 days ahead; cover and refrigerated. Reheat if serving warm.)

4. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of cilantro. Serves 4

Market note: Light coconut milk is available in many supermarkets in the Asian section. Do not substitute cream of coconut, which is sweetened, for coconut milk, which is unsweetened.

Adapted from Soup Nights by Betty Rosbottom (Rizzoli Oct 2016) Photo by Harry Zernike.

6 thoughts on “A Perfect Soup for This Ever-Changing Weather!

  1. Betty, I love easy, delicious and attractive looking soups. Was wondering what to make for dinner (as usual) and think I’ll do this one. I’ll think about you while eating it! Thanks from your fan. Harriet

    • Harriet, Thanks for your nice note. I think you and Philippe might really like this soup, and you certainly won’t have any trouble finding good bread to go with it from your neighborhood boulangeries. Let me know how it works out!

  2. This soup is incredibly delicious and so easy to make. Perfect for a working woman who loves to cook. All the best to you and Ron, and hope the Amherst winter is not getting to you!

    • Thanks so much, Karen, for your kind note. Glad you liked this Paris- inspired soup. Hope you and your family are well

  3. Betty – I have saved this recipe for years since you first shared in in your column – and I have shared it with so many others.

    It is delicious!

Leave a Reply to brosbottom Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.