Wednesday

Roasted Carrot and Fresh Ginger Soup




Here's a comforting* soup you can pull together when 
there is practically nothing in the refrigerator or pantry...
and you are busy. With other things.


Besides being healthful and budget friendly,
the additional bonus is that it goes together quite quickly.

All that is required are a few carrots, an onion, clove of garlic, 
bay leaf, chicken or vegetable broth or stock, oil/butter, 
salt and pepper ~
and fresh ginger (which I always have on hand for
cooking and use in smoothies.)



*I've been needing extra comforting recently,
and I'll explain why at the close of this post  . . .






The method goes like this:

Peel and cut the carrots into large chunks, toss with oil and 
roast in hot oven until tender.

Sweat chopped onion in a large pot, when translucent add minced garlic and
minced ginger for just seconds. Add broth/stock to pot, then bay leaf
and roasted carrots carrots. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil,
then reduce to a simmer, cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Using either a blender (or an immersion blender) puree the
contents of the pot until silky smooth.

At this point you can stir in some heavy cream to make it creamy,
or a tiny amount of Harissa sauce (to make it spicier),
a little finely grated orange zest




Garnish as desired;  here are some suggestions:

For each individual serving:
Shelled, roasted pumpkin seeds ~ (Pepitos)
a little lump of butter
finely chopped chives
finely grated orange zest
a small dollop of sour cream
toasted chopped nuts of your choice
buttery, crisp croutons
a tiny sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon


If you would like a printable copy of the recipe you


~*~*~*~*~*~





You may be familiar with the seasoning Harissa
the North African spicy red paste (or sauce),
if not here is the kind I use. (If you cannot find it locally, it's available
from amazon.com.)  It is really convenient to keep
a tube in the refrigerator to add a good, deep spicy 
flavor to all kinds of dishes.  You can also make your own,
but I don't use it that frequently so the tube version is the
way to go for me.




Word of warning ~ 
Do taste whatever brand you choose before
adding it to your recipe ~ it is potent!!


~*~*~*~*~



I've been a little distracted lately, 
my old faithful friend ~ my Black Labrador dog whom I've had
since he was just a little over 2 months old 
has been having some health issues, surgery, etc.  

It was non cancerous, he healed very nicely. 
He has been doing well for over a year.
and behaves much younger than his 13 years. 
Friendly, full of life and character, but so gentle and easy-going.

Sadly we recently learned he has bone cancer in his
foreleg... it is inoperable and the Dr. estimates the blasted
cancer will take over within 4 to 6 weeks. He is doing fine
at this time, on pain meds, and we will not allow him to suffer.
Lots of extra TLC being showered upon him now, while he's with us. 

Too soon 'THE' decision must be made, 
thus, the gray cloud hangs overhead. :(


Being "dog people", the news has affected us deeply ~ 
spending much more time with my pal, and not
so much the internet, or other things.

If I've neglected visiting your blog, or responding
to your lovely comments, emails, etc. I hope
you'll understand.  I'll try to do better.
Thanks for listening (reading!)




Thank you for stopping by today friends,
enjoy each minute of the day.

xo  ~Mari


15 comments:

  1. First off..so sorry..Did not know it had come to this..
    How nice of you to share recipes and photos at this sad bittersweet time for you.
    I hope he brings you smiles tomorrow in his usual manner..for Thanksgiving and your birthday.
    Xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your food always looks so delicious. I am so sorry to hear about your dog. I will keep you in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mary, I'm sorry to hear about your dog. Losing a beloved pet is just so heart breaking.

    ~Ann

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  4. your soup looks fabulous as always, but we all know your heart is breaking... was good chatting with you today, i think we both defuncted for a bit. you never know what time will bring, enjoy the good times with all your heart and have a very happy birthday tomorrow, its a double whammy day for you, holiday and bday, make it a fabuolous one, pop your pooch in the car for an extra bit of fun! i keep thinking of that trip you took to the beach and got hit by those killer waves... caution caution what ever you do!

    ReplyDelete
  5. My Heart goes out to you regarding your Friend - I've had to make THE decision several times and It's not easy. Years ago I found this poem; I hope it brings you comfort when you do have to make a choice.

    The Last Battle
    If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
    And pain should keep me from my sleep,
    Then will you do what must be done,
    For this, the last battle, can't be won.

    You will be sad I understand,
    But don't let grief then stay your hand,
    For on this day, more than the rest,
    Your love and friendship must stand the test.

    We have had so many happy years,
    You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
    When the time comes, please, let me go.

    Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
    Only, stay with me till the end

    And hold me firm and speak to me,
    Until my eyes no longer see.
    I know in time you will agree,
    It is a kindness you do to me.

    Although my tail its last has waved,
    From pain and suffering I have been saved.

    Don't grieve that it must be you,
    Who has to decide this thing to do;
    We've been so close, we three, these years,
    Don't let your heart hold any tears.


    Author Unknown

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mari, first of all, happy birthday. I do hope there will be some joy in your day. Hug that beautiful dog of yours. I know only too well the heartache of losing such a trusted friend. And then I must comment on this soup. I ordered it in a restaurant a few weeks ago and I could not eat it. It had large, hard chunks of carrots, I could not taste any ginger and it was so over-salted that I had to send it back. I did not have to pay for it, but it was such a disappointment. Now, I want to try your recipe and taste it like it should taste. Take care and hugs to you. Susan

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sorry to read about your beloved companion. It is so hard when we have to say goodbye to one of the furry members of our family. (((((hugs)))))
    Your soup looks fabulous. I love Harissa. Have you tried Harissa roasted potatoes? They are wonderful! xxoo

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  8. Wishing you much strength.
    Lovely recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Mari - I'm so sorry to read about your beloved Lab. He has been a part of your life for a very long time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your soup is beautiful in those pretty little cups. Carrots are a favorite of mine and I'm looking forward to trying this recipe. It will be perfect on the weekend after our large meal today. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mari, I'm so very sorry to hear this about your beloved pup. I know how you feel right now :o( Will keep you all in our prayers. The soup (and those sweet mugs) looks wonderful. I just had a cup of similar soup at our health food store the other day and it was fantastic. Hope you enjoyed your birthday. xo

    ReplyDelete
  11. Take care as you walk this rough road with your dog. We have done this in the past with a dear cat and it isn't easy.
    The harissa was just recently mentioned to me by a friends as something she uses in her cooking too. Now I will
    have to find some.

    ReplyDelete
  12. So sorry about your doggie Mary....i know you must be devastated....
    I hope your birthday and Thanksgiving were nice despite all your sorrow....
    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers...
    L xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh, Mari. I'm so sorry. Your poor baby - I can only imagine how difficult a time you are having right now. My thoughts are with you and your family. How generous of you to share what you are going through -

    Lori
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, Mari. Your poor baby - I know this has to be difficult for you and your family. My thoughts are with you. How generous of you to share what you are going through. All my best -

    Lori
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  15. Mari, I'm just now reading this post. I am so sorry. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. xxoo

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comments, friends ~ they make my day!

A Sampling of my food . . .

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