Carrot and Mint Soup
Most people will have carrots, onions and potatoes in their pantry – I’m using the first little shoots of fresh mint to flavour my batch of carrot soup today.
This soup may be served either hot or cold, don't hesitate to put in a good pinch of sugar, it brings up the flavour.
560g(1 1/4lb/3 cups) carrots, preferably organic, chopped
45g(1 1/2oz/scant 1/2 stick) butter
110g(4oz) onion, chopped
150g(5oz) potatoes, chopped
salt,freshly ground pepper and sugar
sprig of spearmint
1.2litres (2 pints/5 cups) homemade light chicken or vegetable stock
62ml(2 1/2fl oz/generous 1/4 cup) creamy milk, (optional)
3 teaspoons freshly chopped spearmint
Garnish
a little lightly whipped cream or crème fraiche
sprigs of spearmint
Melt the butter and when it foams add the chopped vegetables, season with salt and freshly ground pepper and sugar. Add a sprig of mint, cover with a butter paper (to retain the steam) and a tight fitting lid.Leave to sweat gently on a low heat for about 10 minutes approx.Remove the lid, add the boiling stock and cook until the vegetables are soft. Pour into the liquidiser, add 3 teaspoons of freshly chopped mint and puree until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Adda little creamy milk if necessary.
Garnish with a swirl of lightly whipped cream or crème frâiche and a sprig of fresh mint.
Variation
Carrot and Lovage Soup
Substitute lovage for mint in the above recipe.
Carrot,Garlic Chive Flowers and Seeds
Add finely chopped garlic chives instead of mint in the master recipe. Garnish with a swirl of lightly whipped cream or crème fraiche,garlic chive flowers and seeds. Society garlic flowers are also great.
