Creamy Soups: Hold the Cream

Fall is synonymous with soup. The possibilities are almost endless, and there is nothing quite as comforting. As the weather gets colder, a warm thick soup is just the ticket! We all love a creamy soup, but how about one without cream?

You can make a "creamy" thick soup using only a blender and some coconut milk. If you have never tried making a blended soup, now is the time. It's a great way to thicken a soup without using flour or cream. It simply requires a blender, either an immersion or a regular one. Be sure to simmer your vegetables until they are soft, so that they will be easy to blend.

Here is a recipe for a delicious fall blended soup. This soup is also a great recipe if you have recently taken The Chopping Block's Knife Skills class and have lots of extra carrots to use up. 

Carrot Soup 

2 slices bacon, cut into thin strips*

1 onion, sliced

3-4 medium carrots, diced

1/2 can coconut milk

2 cups water 

1 tsp ground tumeric 

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Cook the bacon in a sauce pot until it's crispy and the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and put in a bowl to the side.
2. Add the onions to the bacon fat and caramelize until deeply browned.
3. Add the carrots and lightly caramelize with the onions.
4. Add the tumeric, sautéing with vegetables until lightly aromatic and roasted.
5. Add two cups water and simmer until the carrots are soft.
6. Add coconut milk to the pot, and remove from heat.
7. Pour soup in a blender or use a stick blender and blend until completely smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with the reserved bacon and a drizzle coconut milk.

*If you want to omit the bacon for a vegetarian/vegan version, use 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil for sautéing.

Enjoy your delicious soup as the weather starts to turn colder! In anticipation of fall, we're offering two soups cooking classes coming up in October: Autumn Soups and Stews and a new class The Perfect Pair: Soup and Bread Workshop.

If you aren't sure when to use your blender, immersion blender or food processor, check out our free comparison Food Processor vs. Blender vs. Immersion Blender, complete with recipes chosen for each electric tool.