Carrot Soup with Anise

Chef and cookbook author Joanne Weir created this soup at L'Auberge Madeleine for her teacher, Madeleine Kamman. "Diners were going to fall for this soup before it ever crossed their lips. Its vibrant orange color and sweet smell of fresh carrot mingling with heady notes of licorice would pave the way for their first satiny sip."

2 teaspoons anise seeds

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large yellow onion, chopped

2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into pieces

6 cups vegetable stock, chicken stock, or water

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup heavy whipping cream

5 tablespoons anise-flavored liqueur, such as sambuca, ouzo, or Pernod, divided

1/4 cup crème fraîche

2 tablespoons chopped chives

Step 1

Toast anise seeds in a small frying pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder and coarsely grind.

Step 2

In a soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and anise seeds and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, 7 to 10 minutes. Add carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Pour in stock, bring to a simmer, and cook until carrots are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3

In batches, purée soup in a blender until very smooth, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Strain purée through a fine-mesh strainer into a pot and season with salt and pepper. Place over medium heat, stir in cream, and heat until hot. Stir in 4 tbsp. liqueur; season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

In a bowl, stir together crème fraîche and remaining 1 tbsp. liqueur; season with salt. Ladle soup into warmed bowls. Drizzle with crème fraîche and sprinkle with chives.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 326Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g36%

Saturated Fat 14g70%
Cholesterol 73mg25%
Sodium 660mg28%
Total Carbohydrate 24g8%

Dietary Fiber 4.3g18%
Protein 2.9g6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Carrot Soup with Anise