Golden Carrot Soup with a Hint of Honey

This delightful Golden Carrot Soup brings warmth and elegance to any meal, especially perfect for a cozy winter gathering. With its vibrant color and gentle sweetness, this soup is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Garnish with fresh chives and a sprinkle of cayenne for a touch of color and warmth. This recipe serves 6 and can easily be doubled for a larger group.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 pound carrots, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups (16 ounces) freshly made or store-bought carrot juice
• 2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade, or low-sodium canned chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons half-and-half (optional)
• Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
• Cayenne pepper, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Cook the Carrots
   Add the chopped carrots to the pan, stirring and cooking until they are very tender, about 15 minutes. Take care not to brown them.

3. Simmer the Soup
   Pour in the carrot juice, chicken stock, honey, salt, cumin, and white pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook until the vegetables are very soft, about 30 minutes.

4. Blend Until Smooth
   Remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly. Working in batches, purée the soup in a blender or food processor until it reaches a silky, smooth consistency. Return the soup to the saucepan, warming gently over low heat. Add additional stock or water to adjust the thickness, if needed.

5. Add Creaminess
   Stir in the half-and-half if desired, for an extra touch of creaminess.

6. Serve and Garnish
   Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh chives and a light dusting of cayenne for a hint of spice.

Serving Suggestions

This Golden Carrot Soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread and a glass of light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. Serve as an elegant starter for your holiday gatherings, or as a comforting main course with a fresh winter salad.

This recipe adds a warm and vibrant note to your table, embodying the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients—a true expression of Living Beautifully.