Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup Recipe

Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup is a bowlful of comfort that brings together creamy coconut, the gentle sweetness of carrots, and a little kick of bold Thai flavors — all with almost no effort, thanks to your Instant Pot. It’s rich, vibrant, and just dreamy for quick weeknight dinners or whenever you need a satisfying soup with a twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup is working hard to create layers of flavor and a gorgeous golden color. This handful of simple, grocery-store staples come together for a soup that’s truly special and comforting, with each element lending its own magic — from the sweetness of the carrots to the warmth of red curry paste and the richness of coconut milk.

• Carrots (8–10 large, peeled and chopped): These are the star of the show, bringing natural sweetness, vivid orange color, and loads of nutrients.
• Onion (1, chopped): Adds savory depth and a gentle aromatic base to the soup.
• Garlic (3 cloves, peeled): A must for kick-starting the flavor and adding aromatic warmth.
• Coconut Milk (1 14-ounce can): Lends creaminess and a subtle coconut undertone that pairs beautifully with the carrots and spices.
• Chicken or Veggie Broth (1 1/2 cups): Either works for body and balance — use veggie broth to keep it vegetarian!
• Peanut Butter (1/4 cup): Adds depth, a hint of nuttiness, and helps achieve a creamy consistency; use smooth for the silkiest results.
• Red Curry Paste (1 tablespoon): This is what dials up the heat and brings Thai-inspired flavor — adjust up or down to suit your spice preference.
• Salt (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus.
• Cilantro and Peanuts (for topping): Bright, fresh, and crunchy; they make every bowl look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Variations

One of the best things about Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup is how easily it flexes to fit your palate or pantry! Feel free to make it your own — swap out ingredients, adjust the heat, or add extra veggies depending on what you have and what you love.

• Make It Vegan: Just use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth — everything else is already plant-based and totally dairy-free.
• Extra Protein Boost: Add a handful of red lentils with the carrots for a thicker, heartier soup and a pop of plant protein.
• Mild or Extra-Spicy: Choose a mild curry paste, or double the red curry paste for those who crave extra heat (or add a dash of cayenne for serious spice-lovers).
• Add More Veggies: Toss in some chopped sweet potato, bell pepper, or even a diced apple to add complexity and sweetness to the soup.

How to Make Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup

Step 1: Gather & Prep Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and chopping 8–10 large carrots into chunky pieces—they don’t need to be perfectly uniform since everything will get blended anyway. Chop your onion, peel the garlic, and have your coconut milk, broth, peanut butter, and curry paste all ready to go. Having everything at arm’s reach makes the process a breeze!

Step 2: Load the Instant Pot

Add the chopped carrots, onion, garlic, coconut milk, broth, peanut butter, and red curry paste directly into the Instant Pot. No need to sauté unless you’d like a deeper, caramelized flavor from the onion and garlic (feel free to hit the sauté function for a few minutes for a richer taste!).

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Lock the Instant Pot lid, make sure the valve is sealed, and use the Manual/Pressure Cook setting for 15 minutes. The pressure will do all the magic, infusing the carrots and aromatics with coconut, peanut, and curry goodness. After it’s done, let the steam release naturally or carefully quick-release, then let everything cool a little before blending.

Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Use an immersion blender straight in the pot, or transfer batches carefully to a countertop blender. Puree until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and season generously with salt—it really wakes up the flavors in this Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup.

Step 5: Top & Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and peanuts. Each bite gets a pop of freshness and a little crunch, making every spoonful lively and fun.

How to Serve Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup

Garnishes

This soup just begs for fun and colorful toppings! A shower of fresh cilantro gives brightness, a handful of coarsely chopped peanuts adds crunch, and a swirl of coconut milk or a squeeze of lime makes each bowl as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup is wonderful with thick slices of crusty bread, naan, or toasted pita for dunking. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it alongside a vibrant green salad or pair it with spring rolls for a fun, Southeast Asian-inspired dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in mugs for a cozy appetizer, or ladle it into shallow bowls and garnish each with artistic swirls of coconut cream and little towers of peanuts and cilantro. Mini bowls for party appetizers or little shooter glasses topped with microgreens also make for a show-stopping starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup keeps like a dream: simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the natural fats in the coconut milk may separate when chilled.

Freezing

This soup is an absolute winner for meal prep! Pour into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little headspace at the top), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring well. If it’s become extra thick, just whisk in a tablespoon or two of water or broth until it returns to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a soul-warming, flavor-packed dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but dazzling enough for guests, Spicy Instant Pot Carrot Soup is truly a must-try. Grab your Instant Pot and let this bright, spicy, creamy soup lift your spirits and surprise your taste buds — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again!

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