Kumquat-Carrot Puree with Toasted Fennel Seeds

Take advantage of kumquats’ brief season by preparing this wintery soup that’s the bright color of sunshine. Packed with flavor, kumquats should not be peeled, as the sweetness of the peel balances the tartness of the flesh.

Kumquat-Carrot Puree with Toasted Fennel Seeds

2 tsp. fennel seeds

4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) (2 oz./60 g) unsalted butter

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup unpeeled kumquats, chopped, plus kumquat slices for garnish

2 lb. (1 kg) carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

5 cups (40 fl. oz./1.25 l) chicken broth

Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a small fry pan over medium heat, toast the fennel seeds just until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder and grind finely.

In a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the kumquats and carrots and sauté for 10 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the carrots and kumquats are very soft, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Return to the pot and stir in the ground fennel. Season with salt and pepper and serve, garnished with kumquat slices. Serves 4.

Find more soup recipes for every season and occasion in our cookbook
Williams-Sonoma Soup of the Day, by Kate McMillan.