Carrot and coriander soup is a delicious and comforting soup that can be enjoyed all year round. It’s flavorful, creamy, and full of healthy ingredients like carrots, onions, potatoes, and fresh coriander.
Many people make a large batch of this soup and want to freeze the leftovers for quick and easy meals later on. But can you freeze carrot and coriander soup successfully?
How to Freeze Carrot and Coriander Soup
Freezing carrot and coriander soup is absolutely possible. Here are some tips for freezing this soup properly so it retains its flavor, texture, and nutrients when thawed:
Cook and Cool the Soup
- Make the soup according to your favorite recipe. Cook vegetables until tender and simmer the soup fully.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. This usually takes about 2 hours. Placing the soup in the refrigerator will speed up cooling.
- Letting the soup cool helps prevent loss of liquid and retains texture when freezing. Hot soup placed directly in the freezer may become watery.
Portion the Soup
- Pour the cooled soup into airtight containers, freezer bags, or ice cube trays.
- Make portions based on how much soup you normally eat per meal. Ideal portions for freezing are 1-2 cups.
- Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace in containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Lay freezer bags flat so soup freezes in a sheet for quick thawing later.
Exclude Thickening Agents
- Avoid adding dairy, flour, or starch-based thickeners to the soup before freezing. These can cause the soup to separate or become grainy in texture.
- Wait to stir in cream, yogurt, or pureed potatoes after the soup has thawed.
Label and Freeze Properly
- Label each portion with name of the soup, date, and any other info.
- Place containers in coldest part of freezer, usually the back.
- For best quality, eat carrot and coriander soup within 3 months of freezing.
Tips for Thawing and Reheating Frozen Carrot and Coriander Soup
Thawing and reheating your frozen carrot and coriander soup properly ensures it retains maximum flavor and texture:
- Thaw soup overnight in the refrigerator. Don’t thaw at room temperature or in hot water.
- For quick thawing, place freezer bag or container in cold water. Change water every 30 mins to keep it cold.
- Microwave in 30 second bursts, stir between each one. Or reheat slowly in a saucepan on the stove.
- Avoid boiling the soup again when reheating or it may overcook the vegetables.
- Stir in any additional ingredients like cream or thickeners after the soup has thawed and is heated through.
- Add extra broth or water if soup is too thick after thawing.
Ideas for Using Frozen Carrot and Coriander Soup
Beyond enjoying your frozen carrot and coriander soup as is, here are some creative ways to use it:
- Blend with fresh orange juice for a brighter, lighter soup.
- Swirl in yogurt, pesto or harissa paste for extra flavor.
- Use as the base for a pot pie or shepherd’s pie.
- Make soup dumplings or wontons using the frozen soup as a filling.
- Stir into risotto or rice along with extra veggies for a one-pot meal.
- Pour over roasted vegetables like cauliflower or butternut squash.
- Simmer with coconut milk and red curry paste for Thai carrot and coriander curry soup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Carrot and Coriander Soup
How long does frozen carrot and coriander soup last?
Frozen properly in airtight containers, carrot and coriander soup will retain optimal flavor and texture for 3-4 months. The soup may still be safe to eat after that but the quality declines over longer storage.
Can you freeze carrot and coriander soup with cream?
It’s best to avoid adding cream to the soup before freezing. The high-fat content of cream can cause separation issues during freezing. Wait to swirl in cream after the soup has thawed.
Does freezing carrot and coriander soup change the taste?
Freezing should not significantly alter the flavor of the soup. However, the texture may become slightly softer after thawing. Be careful not to overcook the soup when reheating to maintain the veggie texture.
What kind of container is best for freezing soup?
Rigid airtight containers like plastic freezer containers or mason jars are best. Sturdy freezer bags also work well. Make sure to leave headspace and seal tightly.
Should you freeze carrot and coriander soup into portions?
Yes, freezing soup in individual portions makes reheating and eating much easier. Ideal portion sizes for soup are 1-2 cups. Flat freezer bags take up less space in the freezer.
Can you refreeze carrot and coriander soup after thawing?
It is not recommended to refreeze any soups or stews after thawing. Refreezing may increase risk of foodborne illness and the texture deteriorates significantly.
How do you store leftover frozen carrot and coriander soup?
Once thawed, leftover carrot coriander should be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety. Do not refreeze soups after they have been thawed.
What are the best vegetables to add to frozen carrot and coriander soup?
Onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, celery, fennel, leeks, and other root veggies complement carrot and coriander soup when frozen. Avoid freeze-sensitive veggies like broccoli.
Can you freeze raw carrots and coriander for later soup making?
It’s best to cook the soup fully before freezing. Freezing raw veggies separately runs the risk of compromised texture and flavor development when later made into soup.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.