Description
Root vegetable soup emerges as a comforting culinary journey through hearty, seasonal ingredients. Rich with aromatic herbs and silky texture, this soup provides nourishment that connects you to traditional European cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5–2 pounds parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 3 leeks, white and light green parts sliced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 cups water
Fat and Oil:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for garnish
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1–2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 strips lemon zest
- 2 cups chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gently sauté leeks in melted butter over low heat, ensuring they become tender and translucent without browning, which takes approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce parsnips, vegetable stock, water, and lemon zest to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, covered, for 30 minutes until vegetables reach a soft, easily pierced consistency.
- Remove lemon zest from the pot and incorporate fresh parsley. Use an immersion blender to transform the mixture into a smooth, velvety puree, alternatively working in batches with a standard blender for optimal texture.
- Brighten the soup’s flavor profile by stirring in fresh lemon juice, then carefully adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Elevate the presentation by drizzling high-quality olive oil and scattering delicate fresh herbs across the surface before serving.
Notes
- Gentle Leek Sautéing Use low heat to prevent burning and preserve delicate leek flavor, ensuring a soft, translucent texture without browning.
- Vegetable Cooking Time Check tenderness with a fork after 30 minutes, allowing root vegetables to become perfectly soft but not mushy.
- Blending Technique Strain zest before blending and work in batches if using a standard blender to achieve ultra-smooth, velvety consistency.
- Dietary Adaptations Swap butter for olive oil to make the soup vegan, or use vegetable stock for a lighter, plant-based version that maintains rich, comforting flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg