Carrot-Star Anise Soup

This was something I created off the cuff because I thought the flavors would combine well... and boy, did they! Star anise is used in pho which I love, and the aroma of carrots is just spellbinding and they go well together.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 medium carrots, chopped
• 0.5 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cups water, or as needed
• 1 star anise pod
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or more to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon chopped fresh marjoram, or more to taste

Steps

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Saute chopped carrots and onion in the hot oil, 10 to 15 minutes. Add water slowly, adjusting so that the vegetables are just covered. Add star anise, chicken bouillon, and coriander and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer, about 40 minutes.
2. Remove star anise. Puree soup with an immersion blender to desired consistency. Garnish with thyme and marjoram and serve hot.