Jamie Oliver Carrot Courgette Soup Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

Let me take you back to a chilly Sunday afternoon. I was wrapped in a blanket, flipping through channels, when Jamie Oliver popped up on the screen. His rustic kitchen, his easygoing vibe, and that thick British accent-it pulled me right in. He was making this simple carrot and courgette soup, and something about it felt like a hug in a bowl.

That was the first time I tried making it. I didn’t expect much, honestly. Just veggies and broth, right? But wow… it surprised me. Silky. Sweet. Comforting. And ridiculously healthy. That soup became a go-to in my kitchen, especially when I need something nourishing but not boring.

So today, I’m breaking down Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Courgette Soup for you. Whether you’re new to soup-making or a veggie soup pro, this one’s worth a spot in your recipe rotation.

Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup Recipe

The first time I tried this recipe, I didn’t have high hopes. I thought, “How exciting can carrots and courgettes be”? Turns out-very.

Jamie keeps things real. No fancy techniques. Just solid ingredients and a bit of heart.

Here’s what this recipe is all about:

• A light but creamy texture without needing cream
• Natural sweetness from carrots and courgettes
• Simple ingredients that you probably already have
• A recipe you can whip up in under an hour

It’s the kind of soup you crave when you’re under the weather or just want something gentle and healing. It’s like that one friend who always knows what to say-quiet, comforting, and good for the soul.

Ingredients Needed

When I first made this soup, I was surprised at how short the ingredient list was. I had almost everything in my fridge already.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Olive oil – for sautéing, use extra virgin if you can
• 1 onion – chopped, adds depth and sweetness
• 2 cloves of garlic – minced for a kick
• 6-8 carrots – peeled and sliced, bring that earthy sweetness
• 2 courgettes (zucchini) – chopped, they melt into the soup
• 1 litre vegetable stock – go for homemade or low-sodium if possible
• A few sprigs of thyme or rosemary – optional but adds flavor
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• A splash of lemon juice – adds brightness right at the end

That’s it. No butter. No cream. Just good veggies and a bit of seasoning magic.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup

The first time I cooked this, I had music playing, the windows open, and no pressure to “get it right”. That’s how soup should be-easy, forgiving, and stress-free.

Here’s how to bring it to life:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat
2. Add the chopped onion and cook gently until soft (about 5 minutes)
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute

4. Toss In The Carrots And Courgettes

   • Give everything a good stir
   • Cook for about 10 minutes so the veggies start to soften

5. Pour In The Vegetable Stock

   • Add your herbs here if you’re using them
   • Bring to a boil then lower the heat

6. Simmer Uncovered For 25-30 Minutes

   • You want the carrots tender and the courgettes almost melting
7. Remove from heat and fish out any woody herb stems
8. Blend until smooth using a stick blender or food processor
9. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice

It should be silky and rich without any cream. Just the veggies doing their thing.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

I’ll admit it-I’m a bit of a food science nerd. Understanding why something tastes or feels a certain way makes me appreciate it more. So here’s what’s happening under the hood:

Carrots

• Packed with natural sugars, which intensify when cooked
• Full of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant
• They give the soup body and that warm orange glow

Courgettes (Zucchini)

• High in water content, which makes the soup smooth
• Contain pectin, a natural fiber that helps thicken the texture
• Their mild flavor lets the carrots shine

Onions And Garlic

• Both are aromatics that add depth
• Garlic brings that subtle heat
• Onions caramelize slightly to create a flavor base

Lemon Juice

• Brightens the whole thing
• Balances the sweetness from the carrots
• Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering

The magic of this soup is how these everyday ingredients come together to make something so much more than the sum of their parts.

Expert Tips

After making this a dozen times (and messing up once or twice), I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better.

• Roast the carrots first for extra sweetness and depth
• Use fresh herbs, but tie them in kitchen twine so you can remove them easily
• Don’t skip the lemon-seriously, it wakes everything up
• Add a swirl of olive oil or coconut milk when serving for richness
• Use a high-power blender if you want it ultra-smooth
• Make it in batches and freeze-you’ll thank yourself later

The key? Take your time with the sautéing step. That’s where the flavor builds.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve mastered the base, you can tweak it a million ways. I’ve had fun experimenting and here are some of my favorite twists:

Creamy Coconut Version

• Replace half the stock with coconut milk
• Add fresh ginger for a Thai-inspired vibe

Cheesy Comfort Bowl

• Stir in a handful of grated cheddar at the end
• Top with croutons for a crunch

️ Spicy Kick Version

• Add 1 chopped chili with the garlic
• A dash of smoked paprika gives it a warming edge

Protein-Boosted

• Add a can of white beans before blending
• Makes it heartier without changing the flavor much

This soup is basically a canvas. You can keep it classic or dress it up depending on your mood.

Final Words

Making this soup has become a ritual for me. It’s what I cook when I need to slow down. When I’m feeling a little off. Or when I want to nourish someone I love. It’s not flashy or Instagram-fancy-but it always delivers.

Jamie Oliver really nailed the essence of home cooking with this one. Simple. Honest. Delicious.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup?

You’ll need carrots, courgettes, onion, garlic, vegetable stock, olive oil, and seasonings like salt and pepper.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup?

It takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just let it cool before freezing and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup Without A Blender?

You can mash the vegetables with a fork or potato masher, but the texture will be chunkier.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup Vegetarian?

Yes, it’s vegetarian as long as you use vegetable stock.

Can I Add Cream To Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup?

Yes, a splash of cream will make the soup richer and smoother if you prefer that.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup Spicier?

Add some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Can I Use Other Vegetables In Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup?

Absolutely! You can add potatoes, parsnips, or even sweet potato for a different flavor.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup Gluten-free?

The soup is naturally gluten-free, just make sure your vegetable stock is also gluten-free.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Carrot Courgette Soup?

You can serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or a sprinkle of grated cheese.