Imagine a bowl of vibrant orange soup that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening—this Moroccan Carrot Soup delivers just that. I first tasted a version of this spiced, silky‑smooth soup at a riad in Marrakech, where the heady aromas of cumin, coriander, and orange zest mingled in the air. Each spoonful was both comforting and exotic: sweet carrots balanced by earthy spices and bright citrus notes. Ever since, I’ve perfected my own version at home—roasting the carrots to deepen their sweetness, infusing the broth with Moroccan‑style aromatics, and finishing with a swirl of olive oil and fresh cilantro. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a starter for a festive dinner, this recipe promises a taste‑bud adventure that nourishes body and soul.
Why You’ll Love This Moroccan Carrot Soup
- Bold Flavor Balance: Sweet roasted carrots meet warm cumin and tangy orange.
- Effortless Prep: Mostly hands‑off roasting and blending—minimal stirring required.
- Naturally Vegan & Gluten‑Free: Purely plant‑based and grain‑free as written.
- Make‑Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Crowd‑Pleasing Starter: Elegant enough for guests, cozy enough for weeknight family meals.
Origins & Cultural Context
In Moroccan cuisine, spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon are the backbone of countless dishes. Carrots, readily available and affordable, often appear in tagines and salads. Infusing them into a pureed soup with orange—a fruit abundant in North Africa—brings together two staples in a harmonious blend. This soup reflects the Moroccan tradition of combining sweet and savory elements to craft layered, memorable flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrots, peeled & cut into chunks | 2 lbs (about 6–7 medium) |
| Extra‑virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Orange zest | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh orange juice | ¼ cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Plain yogurt or coconut yogurt | For garnish (optional) |
Equipment Needed
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Baking sheet | For roasting carrots |
| Large soup pot or Dutch oven | To sauté aromatics and simmer the soup |
| Blender or immersion blender | To puree the soup until smooth |
| Wooden spoon | For stirring |
| Chef’s knife & cutting board | To prep vegetables |
| Citrus zester or grater | To zest the orange |
| Ladle | For serving |
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Roast the Carrots (25 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss carrot chunks with 2 tablespoons olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and pepper.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until edges caramelize.
- Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes)
- While carrots roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion; cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine & Simmer (10 minutes)
- Add roasted carrots to the pot.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer 8–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Puree to Silkiness (3–5 minutes)
- Remove pot from heat.
- Carefully puree soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches in a blender.
- Brighten with Orange (1 minute)
- Stir in orange zest and fresh orange juice.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Serve & Garnish
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Top each serving with a dollop of yogurt (if using) and scatter chopped cilantro or parsley.
(Total hands‑on time: approx. 45 minutes)
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
(Serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Total Fat | 6 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| – Sugars | 9 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 250% DV |
| Vitamin C | 50% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
Tips for the Perfect Moroccan Carrot Soup
- Uniform Roasting: Cut carrots into similar‑sized pieces to ensure even caramelization.
- Spice Toasting: Briefly toasting ground spices in oil releases more aromatic oils—don’t skip it.
- Consistency Control: For a thinner soup, add up to ½ cup extra broth; for thicker, reduce simmering liquid by a bit.
- Make‑Ahead: Prepare up to the simmer step, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat and finish with orange and garnishes just before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add‑Ins
- Ginger Twist: Add 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger with the garlic for a peppery zing.
- Nutty Finish: Stir in 2 tablespoons almond butter or tahini for extra creaminess.
- Herb Swap: Use mint or basil in place of cilantro for a fresh contrast.
- Spicy Edge: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or top with harissa oil for heat.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe containers; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium‑low, stirring to recombine any separated liquids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use baby carrots instead of slicing whole carrots?
A1: Yes—just roast them until fork‑tender, about 20 minutes, then follow the same steps.
Q2: Is this soup gluten‑free?
A2: Absolutely—no grains or gluten‑containing ingredients are used. Confirm your broth is gluten‑free.
Q3: How do I adjust sweetness?
A3: If your carrots are mild, stir in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup when adding orange juice.
Q4: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A4: Roast carrots separately. Combine all ingredients (minus zest and juice) in a slow cooker on LOW for 4–6 hours. Puree and finish with orange.
Q5: Why did my soup turn out bitter?
A5: Over‑cooking garlic or spices can cause bitterness. Ensure you sauté aromatics gently and avoid burning.
Conclusion
This Moroccan Carrot Soup brings together the sweetness of roasted carrots, the warmth of North African spices, and the brightness of fresh orange for a bowl that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or elegant entertaining, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready to make it tonight? Head over to BlessedDish.com for more vibrant, globally inspired recipes. If you give this one a try, please leave a ★★★★★ review below, share your photos on Instagram with #BlessedDish, and subscribe at BlessedDish.com for fresh recipe inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Enjoy every spoonful!
