Name: Hearty Carrot Potato Soup: 1 Pot Wonder
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 medium carrots (about 2 cups), peeled and chopped; 2 medium potatoes (about 2 cups), peeled and diced; 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth); ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional); ¼ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for added creaminess); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Carrot Potato Soup has a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of chilly evenings spent at my grandma’s house. The aroma of simmering vegetables, that subtle sweetness from the carrots, and the comforting creaminess of the potatoes always signaled a warm hug in a bowl. I’ve discovered over the years that learning how to make carrot potato soup is surprisingly simple, making it a go-to for a truly easy carrot potato soup that nourishes both body and soul. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm blanket on a cool day. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Potato Soup

It boasts a wonderfully balanced flavor, with the natural sweetness of carrots meeting the earthy heartiness of potatoes for a truly delicious bite.
You’ll be amazed at how quick it is to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Packed with vitamins from the root vegetables, this soup is a healthy choice.
It’s incredibly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
This creamy carrot potato soup is a guaranteed hit with the whole family, even picky eaters!
The smooth, velvety texture of this creamy carrot potato soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking.

Carrot Potato Soup Ingredients

Gathering the right carrot potato soup ingredients is the first step to a delicious, hearty meal. This recipe uses simple, wholesome components that come together beautifully. You’ll need 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter to start our sauté. Then, we’ll add 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 garlic cloves, minced, for that foundational aromatic base. The stars of the show are 4 medium carrots (about 2 cups), peeled and chopped, which bring a lovely sweetness, and 2 medium potatoes (about 2 cups), peeled and diced, for that comforting, creamy texture. We’ll use 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) as our liquid base. Don’t forget ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste) and ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste) to season perfectly. For an optional herbal note, have 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme handy. Finally, if you’re aiming for extra richness, ¼ cup heavy cream or milk is perfect, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish adds a lovely finish.

Hearty Carrot Potato Soup: 1 Pot Wonder - Carrot Potato Soup - additional detail

How to Make Carrot Potato Soup

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab a large pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in your pot over medium heat. Add the 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 garlic cloves, minced. Sauté these aromatics for about 3–4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion softens and the garlic smells wonderfully fragrant.
Step 3: Toss in the 4 medium carrots (about 2 cups), peeled and chopped, and the 2 medium potatoes (about 2 cups), peeled and diced. Stir everything together and let the vegetables cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften just a bit and soak up those savory flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Add the ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme if you’re using it.
Step 5: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for the vegetables to become fork-tender – easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Now for the magic! Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup right in the pot until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. This is key to an easy carrot potato soup.
Step 7: For an extra layer of richness that makes this a truly decadent, homemade carrot potato soup, stir in the ¼ cup heavy cream or milk. Gently reheat the soup, but be careful not to let it boil once the cream is added.
Step 8: Taste your creation and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve your beautiful soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Carrot Potato Soup

Elevating this simple soup is easy with a few insider tricks. These tips will ensure your homemade creation is truly the best it can be.

For a richer flavor, roast the carrots and potatoes before adding them to the pot. This caramelizes their natural sugars.
Don’t over-blend if you prefer a slightly textured soup; a few pulses are all you need.
Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process, especially after blending.
If using an immersion blender, be sure to tilt the pot to get all the chunks, ensuring a smooth consistency.

What’s the secret to perfect carrot potato soup?

The secret to the absolute best carrot potato soup lies in balancing the sweetness of the carrots with the earthy depth of the potatoes, then achieving that perfect creamy texture through slow simmering and careful blending. Don’t rush the vegetable sauté!

Can I make carrot potato soup ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This soup is actually better when made a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these last recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with carrot potato soup?

A common pitfall is not cooking the vegetables until they are truly tender, making blending difficult. Also, be careful not to add too much liquid initially; you can always thin it out later. Over-salting is another mistake, so season gradually.

Best Ways to Serve Carrot Potato Soup

This comforting soup is wonderful on its own, but I love pairing it with simple sides that complement its creamy texture and warm flavors. For a truly satisfying meal, serve it alongside some crusty artisan bread. Dipping that chewy bread into the smooth soup is pure bliss! If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. For a heartier experience, imagine this as a starter before a main course, almost like a refined potato and carrot chowder. It’s versatile enough for a light lunch or a cozy dinner. You might also enjoy our easy ground beef and broccoli recipe for another family favorite.

Carrot Potato Soup Nutrition & Benefits

This delightful soup offers more than just comfort; it’s packed with goodness! The carrot potato soup benefits come from the wholesome root vegetables. Per serving, you can expect approximately Calories: 180, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 8g, and Sodium: 450mg. These values highlight how this soup can be a nourishing part of your diet. For more healthy options, explore our carnivore diet recipes.

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Carrot Potato Soup

Once your delicious bowl of carrot potato soup is ready, you’ll want to know how to keep it fresh. For the best flavor and texture, allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation inside your containers. I like to portion my simple carrot potato soup into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. If you have a larger batch, freezing is a great option! It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through. Be sure to stir after reheating to ensure even warmth. If you’re looking for other great make-ahead dishes, consider our birria tacos recipe.

Variations of Carrot Potato Soup

This versatile soup is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! If you’re aiming for a completely plant-based meal, creating a vegan carrot potato soup is as simple as using vegetable broth and swapping the cream for a splash of coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. For a heartier experience that feels even more substantial, consider adding some cooked lentils or white beans before blending to make a really robust, hearty carrot potato soup. You could also try roasting the vegetables first for a deeper, caramelized flavor, or even adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone. Another idea is to swap out some of the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter, vibrant orange soup. For a different flavor profile, you might like our Korean BBQ steak rice bowls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carrot Potato Soup

What is carrot potato soup?

Carrot potato soup is a comforting and nourishing dish made primarily from blended carrots and potatoes, simmered in broth with aromatic vegetables like onion and garlic. It’s known for its smooth, often creamy texture and its naturally sweet and earthy flavors. This soup is a wonderful example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can create a deeply satisfying meal. Learn more about the developer of these recipes.

Why is carrot potato soup good?

This soup is a nutritional powerhouse! Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, essential for vision and immune function, while potatoes provide potassium and energy. Together, they create a filling soup that’s great for digestion and can be a healthy meal option. Its warming and comforting nature also makes it incredibly good for the soul, especially on a chilly day.

Can I use different types of potatoes for carrot potato soup?

Absolutely! While Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are often recommended for their creamy texture when blended, you can experiment. Red potatoes or even sweet potatoes can be used, though they might slightly alter the flavor and color. Just ensure they are cooked until very tender before blending for the smoothest results. For a different take on potatoes, try this sumac potato salad.

How do I make carrot potato soup thicker?

If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, there are a few easy fixes. You can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can blend in an extra cooked potato or a small amount of cooked rice. For a quick thickening agent, a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) can be stirred in and heated until thickened.