Spiced Parsnip Soup

Spiced Parsnip Soup

Spiced Parsnip Soup is a warming and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of parsnips with aromatic spices, creating a comforting and slightly exotic soup.

The spices add depth and warmth to the soup, making it a perfect choice for colder months. This simple recipe is both satisfying and nutritious, with a creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor.

Here’s a recipe for Spiced Parsnip Soup:

Spiced Parsnip Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

Parsnips: 4-5 medium, peeled and chopped

Onion: 1 large, chopped

Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced

Carrot: 1 large, peeled and chopped (optional for added sweetness)

Vegetable or chicken stock: 4 cups

Coconut milk: 1/2 cup (optional, for a creamy texture)

Olive oil or butter: 2 tablespoons

Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon

Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon

Ground turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon

Ground ginger: 1/2 teaspoon (or use fresh ginger for more heat)

Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon

Chili flakes: a pinch (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper: to taste

Fresh coriander or parsley: for garnish

Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Peel and chop the parsnips and carrot (if using). Chop the onion and garlic.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and all the ground spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and chili flakes) to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.

Cook the Parsnips and Carrots:

Add the chopped parsnips and carrots to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly.

Add the Stock:

Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, ensuring the vegetables are covered. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Blend the Soup:

Once the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer it to a blender in batches. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend part of the soup and leave some chunks for extra texture.

Add Coconut Milk (Optional):

For a creamier texture, stir in the coconut milk and heat the soup through. This adds a lovely richness, but it’s optional if you want a lighter version.

Season the Soup:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you’d like a little extra acidity, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander or parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips:

Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. For a more intense flavor, you can add a bit more cumin or ginger. If you like it spicier, increase the chili flakes or add some fresh chopped chili.

Vegan Version: This soup is naturally vegan if you use olive oil instead of butter and keep the coconut milk.

Creamy Option: If you don’t have coconut milk, you can substitute with regular cream or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Spiced Parsnip Soup is a fantastic combination of warming spices and sweet, earthy parsnips. The addition of coconut milk makes it rich and creamy, while the spices offer a comforting, aromatic kick. This soup is perfect for enjoying on a cold day and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!