You’re ready to kick off the new year, and you want to do it with a stylishly delicious meal. But you probably don’t have time to master fancy new kitchen skills. Or to shop for a million ingredients.
We’ve got you covered. We created a simple, elegant meal that won’t tax your time or your kitchen cred. We offer up classic French flavor in easy recipes that deliver rich flavor just right for a winter meal. Start with a spiced carrot soup, then move on to a perfectly roasted filet. Finish the evening with chocolate sorbet sandwiches, the perfect partner for the sparkling wine you’ll be drinking.
Spiced Carrot Soup
Start to finish: 30 minutes. Servings: 6
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 pounds carrots, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 quart low-sodium chicken broth or stock
Heavy cream
Salt and ground black pepper
In a large stockpot over medium-high, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and carrots and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Add the five-spice powder and the chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer and cook until the carrots are tender, about another 10 minutes.
Working in batches if necessary, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the soup to the pot. Stir in a bit of heavy cream, just enough to thin to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, then heat until hot.
