Spicy Miso Carrot Soup Recipe

If you love vibrant, comforting soups that bring a little excitement to the table, then you are in for a treat with this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup. It combines the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with the umami depth of miso paste and a kick of heat from fresh chilli and ginger. Each spoonful is a harmonious blend of creamy texture, warm spices, and fresh brightness that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing lunch or a starter to impress dinner guests, this soup is guaranteed to become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create layers of flavor. Each element is indispensable, from the sweet carrots to the fiery chilli, ensuring every bowl of Spicy Miso Carrot Soup bursts with color, taste, and texture.

• Carrots (1 kg / 2 lb peeled and sliced): Provides natural sweetness and thickness to the soup’s base.
• Onion (1 medium, cut into eighths): Adds subtle depth and mellow savoriness.
• Garlic (4 cloves, smashed): Brings a fragrant warmth that complements the sweetness of carrots.
• Fresh ginger (3 cm thinly sliced): Offers a zesty, slightly spicy undertone that brightens the soup.
• Red chilli (1, roughly chopped): Gives a gentle heat kick for that perfect spicy balance.
• Miso paste (3 tbsp): Infuses the soup with rich umami and complexity.
• Vegetable stock (1.6 L): Creates the nourishing liquid base full of flavor.
• Vegetable oil (for roasting): Helps caramelize vegetables for deeper flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the natural tastes.
• Chilli Ginger Oil Ingredients: 1½ cm fresh ginger matchsticks, 1 thinly sliced red chilli, 4 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tbsp mixed seeds for a crunchy, spicy finishing touch.
• Garnish: Spring onions (2, sliced) and reserved carrot peels roasted until crisp for texture contrast.

How to Make Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Peel and slice the carrots into 1 cm rounds, but don’t toss the peels just yet—they’ll become a wonderful garnish later. Chop the onion, smash the garlic, slice the ginger, and roughly chop the chilli to prepare everything for roasting.

Step 2: Roast the Carrot Peels

Place the reserved carrot peels in a small roasting tin. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, drizzle with vegetable oil, and toss to coat. Roast these for about 10 minutes until they become deliciously crisp. This little step adds a perfect crunchy contrast for serving your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup.

Step 3: Roast the Main Veggies

Combine the sliced carrots, onion chunks, garlic cloves, ginger slices, and chopped chilli in a large roasting tin. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with oil, and give everything a good toss to ensure even coating. Roast for 35 minutes or until the carrots are tender and have begun to caramelize, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Make the Chilli Ginger Oil

While the vegetables roast, prepare the chilli ginger oil. Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan, then add the ginger matchsticks and sliced chilli. Cook for a minute to infuse the oil with their spicy, fragrant flavors. Next, toss in the mixed seeds and cook for another minute, seasoning with salt and pepper before setting aside to cool. This oil will elevate your soup with a spicy crunch.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add the miso paste and pour in the vegetable stock, then blend everything until silky smooth. This step transforms your roasted veggies into a luscious, creamy base for your Spicy Miso Carrot Soup.

Step 6: Simmer and Season

Pour the blended soup into a large saucepan and gently simmer over medium heat for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust the salt as needed to bring the soup to perfection.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top with those crisp roasted carrot peels and fresh spring onions for a lively crunch and fresh pop. Finish with a generous spoonful of your homemade chilli ginger oil drizzled on top for a burst of heat and texture that makes every spoonful unforgettable.

How to Serve Spicy Miso Carrot Soup

Garnishes

Crispy carrot peels and fresh spring onions are a must, but feel free to add toasted sesame seeds or a swirl of coconut cream if you want an extra layer of indulgence. These simple garnishes bring brightness, contrast, and a little flair that turns a humble soup into a celebration.

Side Dishes

Pair this Spicy Miso Carrot Soup with crusty bread for dipping, a light salad for freshness, or steamed rice for a more substantial meal. The soup’s vibrant flavors complement a variety of sides, making it versatile for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun presentation. You can also pour the soup in shot glasses as a fascinating appetizer at parties. The bright orange hue with red chilli oil swirl will catch everyone’s eye.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Keep refrigerated and consume within three to four days for optimal freshness and taste. Storing properly keeps those vibrant flavors intact.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the soup’s texture silky and the miso flavors vibrant. Add a splash of stock or water if it thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use white miso instead of other types?

Absolutely! White miso has a milder taste that works beautifully without overpowering the carrot’s sweetness. Feel free to adjust based on your preference for umami intensity.

Is this soup very spicy?

It has a gentle heat thanks to the fresh chilli and ginger, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chilli according to your taste buds.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Using vegetable stock and ensuring your miso paste is vegan makes this soup completely plant-based and satisfying without compromising flavor.

What can I substitute for vegetable stock?

If you don’t have vegetable stock on hand, you can use water, but the soup will be less flavorful. For a richer taste, homemade or low-sodium stock is best.

How thick is the soup?

Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is creamy and smooth but not overly thick, making it perfect for spooning or sipping. You can adjust the consistency with more or less stock during blending.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Miso Carrot Soup is a stunning mix of sweet, spicy, and savory that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re a seasoned soup lover or just looking to try something new and exciting, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and comfort all in one vibrant bowl. I encourage you to make it soon and watch it quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

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