Carrot & Fennel Soup with Ginger

By BakingMaggie • February 28, 2011 • 0 Comments

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Author Notes: Carrot soup still seems as seasonal, welcome, and delicious in late February as it did in the Fall. This soup is my variation on a recipe by Marjorie Druker from her powerhouse cookbook, "New England Soup Factory Cookbook". I have lightened it a little, added fennel, and given it a little kick with the addition of a pinch of crushed red pepper. This soup can also be made with coconut milk instead of half & half, for a more exotic flavor. - BakingMaggie

Serves 4

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 small onion, peeled and diced
1 rib celery, diced
1 bulb fennel, chopped (fronds reserved)
1 1/2 pound carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup honey
3/4 cups half & half
kosher salt
freshly ground pepper
pinches crushed red pepper

Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot.
Add garlic, onion, celery, fennel, carrots and ginger. Saute for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add stock, bring to a boil, then cover and lower heat to a gentle simmer. Let simmer for 30 minutes, until all vegetables are soft and tender.
Remove from the heat. Add coriander, ginger, crushed red pepper and honey. Let cool slightly.
Puree soup in batches in a regular blender until very smooth. Return to pot.
Add half & half, and season to taste with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.
Serve in bowls or mugs with a garnish of chopped fennel frond.