Camille Styles’ Carrot Soup with Cumin and Ginger

Since holiday parties are usually brimming with not-so-good-for-you menu items, I love offering guests something that’s delicious and completely guilt-free, like this carrot soup with cumin and ginger. It’s a cozy weeknight dinner option during the winter, but I make it party-worthy by serving in decorative shot glasses with a demitasse spoon. The sweetness of the carrots combined with the kick of ginger feels like total winter comfort food. Be sure to make a few extras since your guests probably won't stop at just one!

Carrot Soup with Cumin and Ginger

Makes 8 mini (8-ounce) servings

What You Need

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup onion, chopped

2 tablespoons ginger, grated

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon honey

½ pound carrots, chopped

3 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup half-and-half

Plain yogurt, whisked to loosen

Flat-leaf parsley, chopped

How to Make It

In a large pot, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. 

Add the onion and sauté for 4 minutes, until barely translucent. 

Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Add the cumin, honey, and carrots and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until the carrots start to soften. Add the broth and salt and bring to a boil; then, reduce the heat to a simmer. 

Partially cover and cook until the carrots are very tender, about 20 minutes.

Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and puree (be careful blending hot ingredients). 

Return to the pot and taste to see if more salt is needed. Stir in the half-and-half.

Serve the soup in demitasse cups or small bowls, and garnish with a drizzle of yogurt and a sprinkle of parsley.

This recipe is excerpted from Styles’ new book, Camille Styles Entertaining: Inspired Gatherings & Effortless Style, which provides entertaining tips, ideas for décor, and recipes, all arranged by season and reflecting Austin’s unique style. Since its October release, Styles has been on tour with Entertaining—if you missed November’s tour dates in Austin and San Antonio, head to Dallas this month. You can find details at camillestylesentertaining.com