Potent and aromatic, this soup is a sumptuous symphony of sweet, savory and spicy

On cold days, nothing is as comforting as hot soup, and one of the best flavor combinations for soups at this time of year is sweet and savory. Certain vegetables like sweet potatoes and squashes are all made more flavorful with a touch of sweet, be it from sugar or other sweeteners such as honey or molasses. Carrots also benefit from being paired with sweetness and even spiciness. But I add no sweeteners to this carrot soup.

Its sweetness is all made possible naturally from a specific blend of ingredients.

The soup is made all the more potent and aromatic with the addition of fresh ginger and a distinctive blend of Middle Eastern spices that carry warm and nutty profiles. It's the perfect combination to elevate the humble carrot to new flavor heights.

This recipe is all about building flavor one on top of the other. I start with a base of sauteed leek, which adds a sweet onion flavor. The spices each add their own distinct profiles: caraway tastes of anise, coriander has hints of citrus, and cumin adds a touch of bitterness and lots of warmth, and helps draw out additional sweetness from the carrots.

The paprika also adds sweetness and a characteristic rusty glow. The celery adds a bright profile, and my secret ingredient, an apple, adds another level of sweetness. Once it's pureed, the soup is perfect as is, but I like to add a splash of vinegar for some tartness and a drizzle of olive oil for a vegetal touch and fruity aroma. Top a bowlful with earthy chocolate-like pumpernickel croutons and it's the ultimate in comfort soups.

CARROT-GINGER SOUP

Serves 6-8

• 1 tablespoon margarine

• 2 tablespoons olive oil for pan, plus more for drizzling in finished soup

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 large shallot, finely chopped

• 1 medium leek, white and light-green parts, thinly sliced

• Coarse sea salt

• Freshly ground white pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon ground caraway

• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

• 2 celery stalks, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

• 1/4 cup grated ginger

• 1 Gala or Fuji apple, peeled, cored and quartered

• 4 cups chicken stock

• Sherry vinegar

• Chopped chives, for garnish

• Pumpernickel croutons (recipe follows)

Heat margarine and oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add garlic, shallot and leek. Cook until translucent and soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add spices and toast for 1 minute. Add carrots, celery, ginger, apple and stock; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.

Using a blender, puree the soup in batches until silky smooth. Return soup to pot and reheat. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls and drizzle with oil and vinegar, garnish with chives, and top with croutons .

PUMPERNICKEL CROUTONS

Makes 6 servings.

• 4 slices day-old pumpernickel bread, cubed

• Olive oil

• Coarse sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Toss the bread cubes with a drizzle of olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt. Bake until crisp, about 10 minutes.

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Joseph Erdos is a New York-based writer and editor, who shares his passion for food on his blog, Gastronomer's Guide. One for the Table is Amy Ephron's online magazine that specializes in food, politics, and love. http://www.oneforthetable.com