ROASTED-CARROT SOUP

Roasted-Carrot Soup image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 small onion
1 bunch carrots (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
1 small Belgian endive, quartered lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for seasoning
Pinch of freshly ground pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 bay leaf
2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock, plus more for thinning
1/3 cup heavy cream or milk
1/4 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger, or to taste
Creme fraiche, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut onion into 8 wedges (keep root end intact to hold layers together). Toss onion, carrots, endive, oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet, and spread in a single layer. Roast vegetables, turning occasionally, until edges are deep golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Cut off root end from onion. Transfer all vegetables to a large saucepan, and add bay leaf. Add enough stock to just cover (about 2 cups). Bring to a simmer, and cook until carrots are very soft, about 30 minutes. Let cool slightly, and discard bay leaf. Puree vegetables and stock in a blender until smooth (work in batches, if necessary, to avoid filling blender more than halfway).
Transfer puree to a clean pan; place over low heat. Stir in cream; add stock to thin soup to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper; stir in ginger. If desired, pipe creme fraiche onto each serving, or place dollop on top.