Water is particularly good in this variation, creating a soup with a pure, clear taste. Adding fresh ginger to the aromatics is an example of a secondary flavoring component that pairs well with the base vegetable—in this case, carrot. Don’t omit the garlic, since it adds another flavor component (and goes well with ginger). Garnish each cup of soup with a sprig of crisp watercress.

Ingredients

　　FOLLOW THE BASIC RECIPE, sweating 1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced, along with the onion and 1 small clove garlic. Then add 1 1/2 pounds carrots (8 medium), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds, as the base vegetable, and 4 cups water. Proceed with recipe to simmer and puree. Do not finish with cream or buttermilk.

　　Reprinted with permission from Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook by Martha Stewart. Copyright © 2008 by Martha Stewart. Published by Crown Publishing. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of bestselling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the Emmy-winning, daily national syndicated program, and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which publishes several magazines, including Martha Stewart Living; produces Martha Stewart Living Radio, channel 112 on SIRIUS Satellite Radio; and provides a wealth of ideas and information on www.marthastewart.com.