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Carrot Soup with Star Anise

This carrot soup with star anise offers a sophisticated twist on a classic vegetable starter. The natural sweetness of the carrots is beautifully enhanced by the subtle, liquorice-like aroma of star anise and earthy fresh thyme. It is a vibrant, velvety smooth dish that brings a touch of warmth to any table, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or an elegant dinner party appetiser.

As a diabetes-friendly recipe, this soup focuses on nutrient-dense vegetables and low-salt chicken broth to provide a heart-healthy and comforting meal option. The recipe is also highly practical, as the base can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated, allowing the flavours to develop even further. Serve it simply with a dusting of freshly ground spices for a fragrant finish.

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Ingredients for Carrot Soup with Star Anise

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 350g chopped onion

  • 6 large fresh thyme sprigs

  • 5 whole star anise,* divided

  • 2 small bay leaves

  • 1 large garlic clove, chopped

  • 900g bags peeled baby carrots

  • 950ml low-salt chicken broth

How to make Carrot Soup with Star Anise

Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, thyme, 3 star anise, bay leaves, and garlic. Sauté until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add carrots and broth. Bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until carrots are very tender, about 30 minutes.

Remove and discard thyme sprigs, star anise, and bay leaves. Working in small batches, puree soup in blender until very smooth; return to same pot. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly, cover, and chill. Rewarm over low heat before continuing.)

Finely grind remaining star anise in spice mill or coffee grinder. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with ground star anise.

*Brown, star-shaped seedpods; available at some supermarkets, Asian markets, and specialty foods stores.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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