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Wait, so Michael Pollan’s infamous quote was not

Eat food.
Not too much.
Mostly plants.
Almost all soup.

(??)

I imagined that last line?  Just dreamt it up in one soup-craving-inducing-acid-flashback one night?

Obviously. That happened.

Not.

I’ve never done (dropped??) acid.  But if I had….you know I’d be the only person in the history of the universe whose hallucinations would tell her to eat more vegetables.

Undeniable truth.

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If you have anything against all this soup. If you’re getting bored of it.  If you think it’s kinda weird/strange/unusual that someone so against drinking calories…drinks them nightly in the form of blended carrot tahini mush heaven.

Then you should probably speak now. Or forever hold your peace.

Cause we are just entering the honeymoon period, sweetcheeks.  And I don’t really expect that this love affair is going to end anytime before June 21st. (Or whatever the first day of summer is this year.)

At the earliest.

Bonus. If we drink this soup every day from now until then…we’ll be (a) bikini ready and (b) a lovely shade of orange bronze.  Self tanning, the natural, cancer-fighting way. I love it.

(You should probably jump on this bandwagon before Paris Hilton picks it up and carrots triple in price.  Supply and demand, baby. And yes, that is pretty much all I learned in my one and only high school econ class.  I’m going to do very well in the real world someday. Not.)

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In all seriousness, I’ve been making it a goal to eat either a soup or salad once a day, every day.  Because when you have a huge bowl of health as a third of your daily eats…only good things can happen.  Scientific fact.

This soup is a new favorite.  Melissa Clark, whose recipe it is, gets it right just about every time, but this really is exceptional. Sweet, nutty, with just a hint of spice. It’s an addiction in a bowl.  No recreational drug flashbacks necessary.

Carrot and Tahini Soup
 
A soup worth writing home about, this carrot and tahini soup is filled with rich nutty flavor.
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 fat leek, white part only, thinly sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp salt, more to taste
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1½ lb carrots, sliced ½-inch thick
  • 1 quart vegetable broth
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • ⅓ cup tahini
  • fresh lemon juice, to taste
  • pitas, for dunking
Instructions
  1. In a soup pot, over medium heat, pour in oil, then add leek and saute until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, salt, pepper, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add carrots and stir to coat them with leek mixture. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, then add broth, thyme, and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer, partly cover, and cook until carrots are tender, about 25 minutes.
  3. When carrots are tender, remove thyme branches and stir in tahini. Using an immersion blender (or transfer to a food processor/blender), puree soup until smooth. Return to pot and reheat if necessary. Taste and add lemon juice. Add salt to taste.
Notes
Adapted from A Good Appetite
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 bowl

I am submitting this to Deb of Kahakai Kitchen for Souper Sundays and also to Chaya’s Meatless Mondays!

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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93 Responses to Carrot and Tahini Soup

  1. Simply Life says:

    this does look like a great way to eat/drink your nutrients!

  2. Oh, I’m thinking this is definitely my brand of self-tanner – I like it!

  3. Lora says:

    I am a big carrot tahini dressing fan so I am sure I will love this soup. It looks amazing. I did know a wardrobe stylist back in the 80’s who ate too many carrots and her fingers turned orange.

  4. I love soup, too (although you knew that). I definitely believe in the Volumetrics “diet” that the Mayo Clinic suggests – basically you will become fuller when you eat foods that have a low density of calories per volume (ie soups, salads, etc). With my newfound love of tahini, this looks great… and since your carrot ragout was also already on the menu for this week, I don’t think I should feel ashamed if I go and buy 10 lbs of carrots for $3. I just hope I can fit them all in the fridge!! 🙂

  5. I love eating vegetables in all forms, but eating them via soup is one of my favorites!

  6. london bakes says:

    This looks so wonderfully hearty and just perfect for a wintery day! I love the combination of carrot and tahini.

  7. Love this soup, and it’s a great use for that perpetual half jar of tahini that’a always in the fridge!

  8. I have not eaten nearly enough soup this winter, mostly because I’ve been way too lazy to make a pot even though it is so easy. This should be on my menu soon!
    Oh and pumpkin/carrot-induced tan is the best kind!

  9. Carrot and tahini mushy soup sounds unusual but interesting:)
    Supply and demand – the danger is that if demand increases, scientists will be working even harder and when scientists instead of chefs work hard in the food area its bad news, usually

  10. Beth says:

    I love your suggestion to have a soup or salad every day. This soup looks amazing!

  11. Mary says:

    This looks great and I have a bunch of carrots from the farmer’s market to use this week. Thanks!

  12. HA! You crack me up. I too enjoy soup, and could probably eat it almost every day. I have a really good recipe that I’m going to be posting at some point. I think you’ll really love it.

  13. Oh my gosh I cannot wait to make this! Might do so tomorrow night! Happy Valentine’s to me! 🙂

  14. marla says:

    Love the soup + the bowl!!

  15. Deborah says:

    I need soup in my life at least on a weekly basis. And I’ve never seen tahini in soup – I love it!

  16. I think that carrot tahini mush sounds awesome!

  17. daphne says:

    My kind of soup! bookmarked for winter!!

  18. Ranjani says:

    I have been tossing around ideas for carrot-tahini soup in my head for a couple weeks now! I’ll definitely be trying this one

  19. Megan says:

    I could definitely eat soup every day until summer too. And then, you know, we could make cold soups and keep it going. 🙂

  20. Katerina says:

    Tahini is so good for our body! In Greece we also have a spread with tahini and cocoa and my son loves it! It is far better than the nutella! The soup looks delicious Joanne! Perfect for this time of year!

  21. Elizabeth says:

    I love carrot and tahini. Have you ever been to Dojo somewhere near Bleecker St (?) Veg restaurant and they have an awesome carrot tahini dressing.

  22. I love mushy soup! Great idea to eat soup/salad every day.

  23. a yummy bowl of self tanner, love it!!

    ps. finally got you on google reader (your email sub kept going ot my spam!)

  24. Barbara says:

    Oh that color, Joanne. I can’t quite envision tahini and carrots, but if you say so…..

  25. Could never ever have enough soup, I love it. This one looks amazing, especially with pita’s to dunk!

  26. Claudie says:

    Well, this recipe is something I definitely need — as usual, I’ve got plenty of tahini in the pantry that needs to be put to use. And a good soup is perfect for the current weather 😉

  27. So many spices and great flavors in this soup! Sounds very comforting for a chilly day like today!

  28. teresa says:

    i would never think to put tahini in a soup, but i bet it adds so much depth and flavor, delicious! i love soup too.

    i would LOVE to get together! i actually thought about you when i found out. we must make it happen. i’ll be there in june 🙂

  29. Eden says:

    dude, you always make healthy stuff. This doesn’t need to be your “goal”. I think your “goal” should be more like “lets ask out that cute guy at the bar” 😉

  30. Suzi says:

    I could eat or drink soup everyday and this one looks and sounds quite interesting. I like the tahini. Cool.

  31. Amy says:

    While you make it a goal to eat soup every day, I’m trying to not eat cookies for breakfast. Let’s meet back here in another week and see how we’re doing, k?

  32. sofia says:

    ooooh, you’ve totally inspired me to do something with the gigantic head of cauliflower in my fridge. cauliflower tahini soup? whaddya say?

  33. SallyBR says:

    count me with Sofia, I also have a huge head of cauliflower in my fridge. I guess I could go for carrot/cauliflower/tahini soup

    sounds perfect!

  34. Jenna says:

    Tahini in a soup! Will the wonders never cease. That’s such a great idea. And we just bought 5 lbs of carrots on Sunday by the way–I’m starting to juice every morning. Though the whole ‘bronzed’ thing–I doubt even overdosing on carrots could get me there.

  35. I love the flavor combo here. Not crazy at all, just yummy. Nice one Joanne.

  36. Camila Faria says:

    This soup looks like perfection! Tahini in a soup? Oh, yeah!

  37. Laura says:

    I have never tried adding tahini to a soup before-wonderful idea! I bet the tahini pairs perfectly with carrots in this hearty soup.

  38. What a lovely looking soup, Joanne. It looks so hearty and comforting, and just delicious! Thanks for sharing your simple recipe and lovely photos.

  39. Dawn says:

    If I didn’t have a valentine I would totally ask you to be mine. And you would have to bring the soup.

  40. Lynn says:

    That looks and sounds wonderful. I’m so trying that.

  41. kankana says:

    Great flavor combination and perfect for the rainy day that i am facing today!

  42. I love this take on carrot soup! And also love your idea to have soup or salad for a meal at least once a day.

  43. Erica says:

    I love the soup….it looks delicious and comforting! I am a huge soup fan and this one is going on my list!

  44. Nicole, RD says:

    My friend and I were just talking about how we want to find more entrees with tahini and thsi answered our very desires! And as for the Michael Pollan quote…I couldn’t agree more. LOVING soup recipes, especially now that winter has come full force!

  45. Cara says:

    Nothing wrong with eating soup all the time! I’m sure it’s better than eating cookies every day, which is what I tend to do 😉

    Love the use of tahini in here, it definitely makes everything better!

  46. Candace says:

    I will never tire of your soups. Never, ever, ever.

  47. tigerfish says:

    This is such a thick satisfying soup!

  48. Sippity Sup says:

    Tahini is magic, especially in your hands! GREG

  49. Shannon says:

    sounds like a winner alright! red lentil soup for me this week, along with a salad 😉 … and maybe a scone. ha 🙂

  50. Sydneys summer has been hellish – its been like Autumn the entire time. Perfect soup weather though so, the good with the bad. We actually have all these ingredients at home and Stud is off sick. Perhaps I should be a good wife and make him this soup 😀

  51. OohLookBel says:

    Your ‘soup or salad a day’ motto is a good one. Just wish I could stick to it. This soup looks fantastic, and I bet it tastes good, too.

  52. Now that’s a bowl of delicious and hearty warmth! You’ll get no soup objections here. We love soup and tonight, we’re just having a big chopped salad and feta for dinner.

  53. Juliana says:

    So interesting this dish…carrot, tahini and lots of spices…sounds and looks awesome Joanne.
    Hope you have a great week 🙂

  54. Gloria says:

    perfect Joanne, look absolutely perfct and yummY! nice

  55. Katie says:

    You always make me hungry for something healthy. I’ve got to try this soup. It looks like it would freeze really nicely!

  56. see now i know why i like you so much; you make all your soups thick.
    to me, that is how it should be done.
    broth soups are not soups, they are broth.

  57. MyFudo™ says:

    There are times when you don’t feel like eating anything, but soup. This is exactly what I have in mind during those times. It is filling, hearty and looks so flavorful. Bookmarked this page. I am sure I will try this soon. =)

  58. Lori says:

    Yes! A new use for that massive jar of tahini I have. That stuff goes a long way when only making hummus. I’m pretty sure I read that last line about soup too. Or was it cake….?

  59. Believe it or not, I made this NYT recipe before my blogging days. I remember thinking it was delicious…. thank you for reminding me!

  60. What a great goal! I want to start that too :). You make the best soups, wonderful recipe!

  61. Reeni says:

    I can never tire of your soups! Your vegetable-and-flavor-laden-so-good-for-you-and-delicious-too soups! I’m going to adapt your soup or salad a day rule for myself. It’s perfect.

  62. sophia says:

    Let’s just petition that Michael Pollan add that last sentence into his food philosophy…

  63. Christine says:

    This looks delicious, can’t wait to try it. Love carrots. Is there a particular brand of tahini you prefer?

  64. Pam says:

    I never get tired of eating soup. I think this soup looks like a bowl full of heaven.

  65. Sanjeeta kk says:

    Tahini in soup..please sign me in, Joanne! Love..love..the recipe.

  66. Catherine says:

    Hee Hee. You are funny. And that soup sounds delicious.

    Catherine
    (Click here to enter my anthropologie kitchen tools giveaway.)

  67. Wow. The recipe seems amazing. I would try it. Thanks for sharing.

  68. Dana says:

    That is just a big bowl of goodness right there. That Melissa Clark can do no wrong!

  69. I find it hard to ‘get into’ soup but this sounds so where my brain is at – but then anything with tahini in it allures me no end. And I do like the idea of eating a soup or salad at least once a day.

  70. Amy says:

    This soup looks so healthy and tasty. I’ve never used tahini in a soup, but it sounds great!

  71. JasmyneTea says:

    Tahini in a soup: awesome! I love it 🙂 I like the idea of eating a soup or salad once a day as well, I think I’ll pick that up!

  72. Jana ? says:

    A healthy and delicious recipe!!
    Happy San Valentine´s day
    Kisses from Spain
    http://janakitchen.blogspot.com

  73. That Girl says:

    I am so glad we both have a soup addiction. It made it to my mealplan twice this week.

  74. sally says:

    I like it! I have a jar of tahini in my fridge that doesn’t get much action. This would be a perfect recipe.

  75. wow, that looks super delicious. I love both carrot and tahini flavor, so to have them together in a soup sounds wonderful.

  76. Asmita says:

    Love this soup! Comforting, filling and healthy. Would love to make this.

  77. Carolyn Jung says:

    Homemade soup is THE best. You can make soup out of most anything, you can control the fat, you can add whatever spices you like. It’s an ideal meal. And I would never turn down a good bowl. 😉

  78. Claudia says:

    Soup is the nectar of the gods. If it is 100 degrees out, I will still happily slurp soup. My first soup with tahini! Yes!

  79. Love that I now have another use for the tahini in my pantry!

  80. Johanna GGG says:

    am sure that pollan would approve of soup and salad – such a great way to up the vegetables in our lives – guess what is for dinner here – soup!!!! love the carrot and tahini combo – must try that one

  81. Muneeba says:

    Genius! an odd combo that sounds pretty darn good … and easy to make … you speaky my language!

  82. Chris says:

    Since you haven’t had LSD, that wasn’t a “flash back” it was a “flash forward” ha ha.

    This won’t get my body bikini ready (’cause I ain’t wearing one this summer) but it sure would make my mouth happy. So rich and thick!

  83. Corina says:

    I love the idea of this soup. I often find carrot soup a bit too sweet but I imagine the tahini balances it out nicely. It looks lovely and thick too.

  84. I made a carrot-ginger-tahini soup a couple of months ago and loved what the tahini did to the texture and taste. This looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with Souper Sundays. 😉

  85. Made this tonight and I love it!! Thanks for sharing it, Joanne!

  86. I have a five pound bag of organic carrots in my refrigerator looking for some love, and I think I’ve found it for them. This sounds so good- soup is a staple at my house, because it’s just so easy to pack for lunch and also to warm up for a quick supper. 🙂

  87. Sarah W says:

    Just made this and it is so fantastically delicious! Love love love. And a great way to break in my new immersion blender. 🙂

  88. Corina says:

    I made this earlier this week and have just posted about it on my blog. Hope that’s ok. It was really delicious and has already inspired me to experiment with another tahini soup too!

  89. This looks like an amazingly hearty soup. I’m adding it to my list of recipes to try. Thanks! 🙂

  90. […] year ago…Carrot and Tahini Soup Three years ago…Cranberry Tangerine Chocolate Espresso Whole Wheat […]

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