Pin It The first time I made this soup was on a gray Sunday when the house felt too quiet. I needed something warm and filling, something that would make the kitchen smell comforting. I roasted the vegetables until they were sweet and golden, then blended them until silky. When I took that first taste, the gentle maple sweetness hit me and I knew this was going to be a regular.
I served this soup to my sister last winter when she came over exhausted from work. She took one sip, closed her eyes, and said she could feel herself relax. The way the ginger and cinnamon play with the roasted carrots makes it feel like a gentle hug from the inside out.
Ingredients
- Carrots, sweet potato, and parsnip: These root vegetables form the sweet, earthy base. Roasting them concentrates their natural sugars and adds a slight caramel note.
- Onion and garlic: Build a savory foundation. Do not rush the onion, it needs time to soften and sweeten.
- Fresh ginger: Use freshly grated ginger if you can. The warmth cuts through the sweetness and adds brightness.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch adds depth and makes the soup taste more complex and comforting.
- Vegetable broth: Choose a high quality broth you enjoy drinking on its own. It makes up most of the flavor.
- Coconut milk or heavy cream: Coconut milk keeps it vegan and adds a subtle tropical note. Heavy cream makes it richer and more luxurious.
- Pure maple syrup: Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. It adds a gentle sweetness that rounds everything out.
- Olive oil: Needed for roasting the vegetables and sautéing the aromatics.
- Salt and pepper: Taste at the end and adjust. Roasting concentrates flavors, so you may need less salt than expected.
Instructions
- Roast the vegetables:
- Toss the carrots, sweet potato, and parsnip with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- While the vegetables roast, heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook the onion until soft, then add the garlic, ginger, and cinnamon until fragrant.
- Simmer together:
- Add the roasted vegetables to the pot with the broth. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Blend and sweeten:
- Remove from heat, stir in the maple syrup and coconut milk, then blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Pin It This soup became my go to when friends need feeding but I do not have the energy for anything complicated. It is simple enough for a Tuesday but impressive enough for company.
Make It Your Own
Swap in butternut squash for the sweet potato or parsnip. It roasts beautifully and adds an even creamier texture. You can also use all carrots if that is what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
A slice of crusty sourdough bread for dipping makes this a full meal. For wine, something crisp and acidic like a Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness nicely.
Storage And Meal Prep
This soup keeps well and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
- Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
- Leave room at the top of containers if freezing, liquids expand.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of liquid to loosen.
Pin It This soup is what comfort should taste like, simple, warming, and quietly satisfying.
Recipe FAQ
- → What vegetables are used in this soup?
Carrots, sweet potato, parsnip, and onion form the base, providing a naturally sweet and earthy flavor.
- → How does maple syrup influence the flavor?
Pure maple syrup adds a gentle sweetness with a rich, warming note that complements the roasted vegetables.
- → Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, by using coconut milk and plant-based yogurt for garnish, the soup remains creamy without animal products.
- → What cooking method enhances the flavor?
Roasting the vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, deepening the taste before simmering with spices and broth.
- → What spices are included for seasoning?
Ground ginger and cinnamon provide a subtle warmth and aromatic depth, balancing the sweet and savory elements.