Carrot Purée

Short description

A smooth and naturally sweet purée made from tender cooked carrots, lightly seasoned and optionally enriched with butter or olive oil. This vibrant side dish pairs well with roasted meats, fish, vegetarian dishes, or can be served as nutritious baby food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients

• Naturally sweet and bright in color

• Silky, luxurious texture

• Versatile use as a side, sauce base, or baby purée

• Can be made in advance and reheated without losing quality

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Carrots, peeled and sliced or chopped

• Water or stock (vegetable or chicken)

• Unsalted butter (or olive oil for a vegan option)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: lemon juice or spices such as cumin, nutmeg, or star anise

Directions

1. Prepare the carrots: Peel and cut the carrots into uniform pieces about ¼ to ½ inch thick.

2. Cook: Place the carrots in a saucepan with enough water or stock to cover them. Add butter or olive oil and any optional spices. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the carrots are very tender, about 20 minutes.

3. Drain and reserve liquid: Remove the carrots and reserve some cooking liquid to adjust consistency if needed.

4. Blend: Transfer carrots to a blender or food processor. Add reserved liquid gradually and blend until smooth. For an extra silky texture, strain through a fine sieve if desired.

5. Season: Stir in lemon juice if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Finish: Optionally, add a bit more butter or olive oil for extra richness.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4 to 6 portions

• Prep time: About 10 minutes

• Cook time: Approximately 20 minutes

• Total time: Around 30 minutes

Variations

• Roasted carrot purée: Roast carrot pieces with garlic and olive oil until caramelized, then blend for a deeper flavor.

• Spiced purée: Add warming spices such as cumin, coriander, ginger, or star anise either during cooking or after blending.

• Star anise infusion: Simmer whole star anise with carrots for a subtle aromatic note.

• Vegan option: Use olive oil instead of butter and consider adding a cooked potato for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days.

• Freeze: Purée can be frozen for up to 3 months. Portion into small containers or freezer bags for convenience.

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth if it becomes too thick.

FAQs

What type of carrots should I use?

Use firm, fresh carrots for the best flavor and texture. Larger carrots are easier to peel and slice uniformly.

Can I use stock instead of water?

Yes, using vegetable or chicken stock enhances the flavor of the purée.

How do I make the purée extra smooth?

Ensure the carrots are very tender before blending and add liquid gradually. Straining through a fine sieve will give an even silkier texture.

Is butter necessary in the recipe?

Butter adds richness, but olive oil is a good alternative for a vegan or lighter version.

Can I add spices to the purée?

Absolutely. Spices like cumin, nutmeg, or star anise add warmth and depth to the flavor.

How can I thin the purée if it is too thick?

Add reserved cooking liquid, broth, or water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I freeze leftover carrot purée?

Yes, freezing in portion sizes works well and preserves quality for about three months.

Is this purée suitable for babies?

Yes, this is a common baby food. Use only cooked carrots without added salt or spices, and blend until very smooth.

How do I reheat the purée without drying it out?

Reheat gently with a lid on and stir occasionally, adding a splash of liquid if needed.

Why might the purée taste bitter?

Older or overly mature carrots can sometimes taste bitter. Adding a small amount of sugar or honey can help balance the flavor.

Conclusion

Carrot purée is a simple, elegant side dish that brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to your table. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it is versatile enough to accompany a wide variety of dishes or serve as wholesome baby food. Its smooth texture and subtle flavor make it a perfect complement to many meals, and it stores and reheats well for convenient use throughout the week

Print