WITH the arrival of autumn, many of us are reaching for the hug-in-a-bowl that is soup.
Carrots are the perfect ingredient, offering immune-boosting properties and loads of flavour.
Laura Stott slurps eight carrot and coriander soups and gives her verdict.
Chef Select Carrot and Coriander Soup 600g, £1.59, Lidl – 4/5
I AM a little surprised that Lidl’s concoction costs 10p more than rival Aldi’s offering.
Both stores have opted for similar packaging and the ingredients are almost identical too, with 46 per cent carrots, a dash of cream and honey.
Once heated, there is a delicious aroma and the contents look fresh.
With its golden hue and thick consistency, this could pass off as home-made, and it is packed with flavour.
A super, warming bowl.
Sainsbury’s Carrot and Coriander Soup 600g, £1.49 – 5/5
WITH its vibrant sunshine colour, strong root-veg scent and thick consistency, this has the hearty look and feel of a home-made broth.
Rather gloopy, though, so it may not be the one for you if you prefer your soups more blended.
This had minimal ingredients – carrots, onions, stock and some coriander – which I liked.
There’s also a mild hint of herb.
A little under-seasoned, it would benefit from a touch of pepper.
Tesco Carrot and Coriander Soup 600g, £1.85 – 2/5
THIS pot of blended veggies doesn’t offer much to justify the extra cost, although it is nice that you can see the flecks of coriander.
It contains 52 per cent carrots, so you do get a decent root flavour, but it is on the sweeter side.
That is probably due to the addition of orange juice, which I think it could do without.
The strong taste of white pepper left a nasty aftertaste.
Overall, it is a bit odd to eat and the recipe feels unbalanced.
Morrisons Carrot and Coriander Soup 600g, £1.50 – 3/5
REFRESHING and affordable, this has a lot of ingredients including butter, turmeric, leek and parsley.
Some of these add to the flavour, while others – such as sugar in a broth full of already sweet veggies – are surplus to requirements.
It is full of carrot flavour due to additional veg extract and a decent consistency.
The butter adds a pleasing richness and this soup was particularly nice with bread dunked into it.
M&S Carrot and Coriander Soup 600g, £2.75 – 2/5
AT £2.75 for a tub, this is one of the priciest options.
But it does have a very rich flavour, so it could be stretched to two lunchtime servings.
It contains one of the highest amounts of veggies, with 56 per cent carrot.
And it is clearly made with good stock as the flavour is very considered and balanced.
Both single cream and creme fraiche make for a velvety spoonful, but the garlic is over-powering.
I’d expect more for the price.
New Covent Garden Soup Co Carrot and Coriander 560g, £2.35, various supermarkets – 3/5
THE instantly recognisable carton from New Covent Garden Soup Co comes with a sizeable price tag, given there is 40g less than most of the other options.
It also contains just 46 per cent carrots.
That said, the flavour is nicely balanced with a pleasing taste and a touch of honeyed sweetness.
I liked the addition of warming nutmeg too, but it was hard to detect the herbs, so it needs more coriander.
There isn’t enough to share between two people either.
Soupreme Carrot and Coriander Soup 600g, £1.49, Aldi – 4/5
A STRIKINGLY similar appearance to the more expensive New Covent Garden Soup Co packaging.
The good news is that, for almost a quid less, the flavour of this Soupreme carton is just as good, plus you get 40g more soup.
A smooth texture, though thinner than some of the others, it is full of carrot flavour.
While it is great value for money, I did find it to be a little bit bland.
It could do with a touch more seasoning.
Re:nourish Carrot and Coriander Soup 500g, £3, Sainsbury’s – 3/5
THIS is aimed at the health conscious and will certainly help you hit your five-a-day – though it is on the pricier side.
Alongside carrots, it also contains roasted red peppers, which give robust sweetness, onions, tomatoes, and creamy coconut milk.
These ensure this liquid powerhouse is far more filling than it looks.
Not quite as traditional as the others due to the addition of ginger, but I enjoyed the fiery heat.
It tastes delicious, but for this price it is more of a treat.
