Warm up winter with delicious soup

This is the time of year I start ramping up my soup making at home.

While I love eating soups and stews year round, chilly winter evenings cause me to be extra hungry for them. Paired with some fresh bread and a salad, it is a perfect dinner combination.

I also like how easy it is to make and that I can quickly double or triple a recipe to freeze or share with others.

As some of you may remember from past columns, I have an annual soup exchange with my friends. I encourage you to do the same!

Everyone makes a large batch of soup and brings it to the host’s home in a Crock-Pot or soup pot. In addition to the soup, we all pack individual containers so we can bring home a variety of soups.

We label the container lids with masking tape listing the name of the soup and the date, freeze and enjoy all winter. It’s such a delight to make one soup and end up with a freezer full of so many different ones! Today, I’m sharing with you a delicious carrot soup recipe. It is a beautiful, vibrant color and loaded with flavor and nutrients.

I make it with chicken broth, but you can substitute vegetable broth. That will make it taste a bit differently from this recipe, so be sure to adjust seasonings as desired.

On that same note, it is important with this soup to taste and adjust the flavors toward the end of the cooking time.

That personal attention will take it to the next level. Adding more lemon juice or salt or any of the seasonings really does change things.

I am a person who gravitates toward stronger flavors, so I often increase the spice levels. And some people might like this recipe just the way it is written.

I recommend setting out at least four spoons for tasting. After you have pureed the soup, give it a first taste. Savor it for a moment and try to guess what it needs. More lemon juice? More spice? Then add a bit, stir, and let cook for a few more minutes.

Grab a fresh spoon and try it again.

I usually find it takes me about four times to get flavors adjusted to how I like them. So remember, this recipe (and most recipes out there) is just a template. You get to make it your own. Have fun playing with it.

I think it is very comforting and tasty, and I hope you do too. Enjoy!

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a warm bowl of soup such as this Carrot Soup topped with some crunchy pepitas.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

During a trip to the European country of Latvia in 2024, Christine Gallagher was wowed by this massive pile of carrots at a local market. Roasted carrots blended with spices can be used to create a delicious winter soup.

CHRISTINE GALLAGHER/Special to the Sentinel

ALLAGHER