Creamy Potato Carrot Soup
In this sweet and savory potato and carrot soup, carrots and apple lend the sweet notes, while potato and half-and-half add a savory counterpoint and a layer of creaminess. The bay leaf gives it a depth of flavor. Top this simple soup with celery leaves and a drizzle of half-and-half.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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1 cup chopped yellow onion
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1 cup chopped celery, plus leaves for serving
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground pepper
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4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
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3 cups sliced carrots
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1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 medium), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
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1 large Honeycrisp apple, chopped
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1 fresh bay leaf
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2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
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½ cup half-and-half, plus 8 teaspoons, divided
Description
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Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 minutes.
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Add broth, carrots, potatoes, apple and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the carrots and potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaf.
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Working in batches, if necessary, pour the soup into a blender. Secure the lid on the blender, remove the center piece to allow steam to escape and place a clean towel over the opening. Process until smooth, 45 seconds to 1 minute. (Alternatively, puree soup in the pot with an immersion blender until smooth. Use caution when blending hot liquids.) Return the soup to the pot and stir in lemon juice and 1/2 cup half-and-half. Top each serving with celery leaves, if desired, and drizzle each with 1 teaspoon half-and-half.