Carrot and Apple Winter Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming, lightly spiced carrot and apple soup with a hint of ginger and cinnamon, perfect for a chilly evening. This soup recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs carrots, apple, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 International cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 cups diced carrots, 1 diced medium apple, and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently to combine flavors.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until carrots and apples are tender.
  4. Step 4: Using an immersion blender or transferring in batches to a blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Return to heat to warm through if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot, topped with 2 tablespoons plain yogurt per bowl for a cooling contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Carrot and Apple Winter Soup take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Carrot and Apple Winter Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Carrot and Apple Winter Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Carrot and Apple Winter Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Carrot and Apple Winter Soup?

International soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.