Velvety Creamy Parsnip Soup: A Cozy Comfort Recipe

Name: Parsnip Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of olive oil; 1 chopped onion; 2 cloves of minced garlic; 1 pound of peeled and roughly chopped parsnip; 2 medium peeled and chopped potato; 4 cups of vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; 1 teaspoon of oregano; 1/2 cup of heavy cream

Discover the comforting warmth of our Velvety Parsnip Soup, perfect for cozy autumn evenings. This creamy, nutritious recipe will become your new favorite seasonal dish!

European Cuisine

April 20, 2024

Difficulty Easy

Servings 4 people

Preparation 15 mins

Cooking 35 mins

Total 50 mins

Recipe Contents

Ingredients Directions Nutrition Equipments Tips

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 chopped onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 pound of peeled and roughly chopped parsnip
2 medium peeled and chopped potato
4 cups of vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of oregano
1/2 cup of heavy cream

Directions

Sauté Base Ingredients

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add Parsnips and Potatoes

Mix in the parsnips and potatoes, stirring for a couple of minutes to coat them in the oil and flavors from the onion and garlic.

Pour in Vegetable Broth

Add the vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the parsnips and potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Blend the Soup

Once the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.

Season and Finish

Return the blended soup to the pot if needed. Stir in the cream or coconut milk and thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Parsnip Soup

Serves 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories300

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 15 g19.2%

Protein 3 g6%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips

For an enhanced sweet and nutty flavor, consider roasting the parsnips (and optionally, the potatoes) before adding them to the soup. This step can deepen the flavors, adding a caramelized profile to the dish.
Depending on your preference for soup thickness, adjust the amount of broth. For a thicker soup, reduce the broth by half a cup; add more for a thinner consistency.
When using a traditional blender to puree the soup, ensure you allow the steam to escape by removing the center piece of the blender lid and covering it lightly with a kitchen towel to prevent splashes.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. For more, check out our ‘Heavy Cream Substitutes’ article.
Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to complement the natural sweetness of the parsnips.
Garnish with crispy bacon bits, croutons, or roasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.

Rate This Recipe

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, nothing welcomes the autumn season quite like a bowl of warm, Velvety Parsnip Soup. Known for their sweet, almost nutty flavor, parsnips transform into a smooth and creamy soup that not only warms the soul but also offers a bounty of nutrients. This simple yet delicious recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week, ensuring a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Equipment for this recipe

Measuring Cup

Mixing Bowls

Cutting Board

Chef Pan

Chef Knife

Origins of The Parsnip Soup

Parsnip soup, a beloved classic in many cold-weather countries, highlights the humble parsnip, a root vegetable often overshadowed by its more popular cousin, the carrot. Parsnips bring a uniquely sweet and slightly spicy flavor to dishes, particularly when cooked in soups. The creamy parsnip soup recipe is a testament to the versatility of this vegetable, creating a smooth, velvety bowl of comfort that's both satisfying and nourishing. Over the years, this dish has been adapted in various cuisines to include a range of spices and herbs, enhancing the innate sweetness of parsnips.

For a twist on the traditional preparation, the Roasted Parsnip Soup variation involves roasting the parsnips prior to blending them into the soup. This method intensifies the flavors, adding a rich, caramelized depth that pairs beautifully with aromatic spices such as thyme or rosemary. Roasting the vegetables before simmering them in stock is a simple step that can transform a basic soup into a gourmet experience, making it an easy upgrade to the standard creamy parsnip soup.

Adapting the recipe to meet dietary preferences or restrictions is straightforward. For a Vegan Parsnip Soup, substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or almond cream, and ensure the broth is vegetable-based. This version retains the creamy texture and sweet flavor profile while being entirely plant-based. The simplicity of the Easy Parsnip Soup recipe also makes it a perfect candidate for a healthy meal option. By using ingredients like olive oil instead of butter and opting for low-sodium vegetable broth, the soup becomes a heart-healthy choice without sacrificing taste. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a nutritious dish to serve your family, parsnip soup offers a delightful solution.

What To Serve with Parsnip Soup?

Parsnip soup pairs well with a variety of accompaniments.

Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Parsnip Soup:

How To Store Parsnip Soup?

Storing parsnip soup correctly is important to maintain its flavor and freshness, especially if you've made a large batch. Here are some tips on how to properly store your parsnip soup:

Refrigeration:

Cool Down: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. Do not leave the soup out for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the soup into airtight containers. This will help keep out bacteria and prevent the soup from absorbing flavors from other foods in your refrigerator.
Refrigerate: Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure your fridge temperature is set below 40°F (4°C) to safely store the soup.

Freezing:

Portion Control: Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers or use freezer bags. This makes it easy to thaw only the amount you need at a time.
Leave Space: When using containers, leave about an inch of space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.
Seal Tightly: If using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze: You can store the soup in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Label the containers or bags with the date, so you know how long they’ve been stored.

Thawing and Reheating:

Thaw Safely: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen. Avoid thawing at room temperature to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
Reheat Properly: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until it is hot all through (reach at least 165°F or 74°C). If the soup has separated a bit due to the freezing process, stirring continuously can help re-emulsify it. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave, using a microwave-safe container. Stir at regular intervals to ensure even heating.

Tips:

Add Freshness: If the soup seems a little thick after reheating, you can thin it with a little water or broth. Adjust seasoning if necessary, as flavors can dull slightly after freezing.
Safety First: Always taste a small amount after reheating to make sure it has not spoiled, especially if it has been stored for a longer duration.

By following these storage tips, you can extend the life of your parsnip soup while keeping it tasty and safe to eat.

Recipe byPetite Gourmets