In Mother Nature’s typical teasing, taunting fashion, March neither went out like a lion or a lamb, and now April has waffled between a wintry reprieve and an all-out tropical climate.  Not exactly the stuff that smooth transitions are made of, but instead of moaning and complaining about the obvious, I’ve found it much more helpful to work on recipes that can be just as adaptable to the unpredictable whims of the early spring season.

Yes, I’ve come here offering you a blended soup. Plain, humble, unexciting fare, but there’s so much more than meets the eye with this luminous orange puree. Thickened not with cream or tofu or even any sort of added fat, this deceptively silky soup doesn’t taste the least bit lean, but as a result is also the perfect sick-day dish for unsettled tummies. Almost shockingly sweet, the natural sugars of carrots and beets are at work here, sure to convince anyone that vegetables can be the stuff of desserts. But this soup is firmly planted on the savory side of the street, don’t you fret, and is just as happily served piping hot, with perhaps the added richness of vegan sour cream, as it is chilled, topped only with a sprinkle of fresh herbs at the most. No matter what sort of weather spring is sending your way, a big batch of this soup will keep you happily sustained. Now that’s my idea of comfort food!

Golden Carrot Soup

2 Medium Onions, Chopped
5 Cups Water
3 Medium Gold Beets, Chopped
4 -5 Carrots, Chopped
1/4 Cup Sweet White Miso Paste
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
Salt to Taste

In a large soup pot, throw in your chopped onions, beets, carrots, and water. The water should just cover all of the veggies; if not, add a splash or two more. Cover, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow everything to cook for about 30 minutes, until the beets and carrots are fork-tender. Transfer everything (carefully!) to your blender, and thoroughly puree, until completely smooth. Add in the miso, lemon juice, and salt as needed, and blend to incorporate. Serve immediately for a hot soup, or chill for at least three hours if you’d prefer it cold.

Makes 8 – 9 Cups

Printable Recipe