Parsnip Soup: A Lesson in Improvisation

As The Blue Plate Chef, I love discovering new recipes and experimenting with different flavors. One of my new favorite recipes comes from my grandmother, who is frequently cooking a variety of soup. Her parsnip soup recipe is simple, easy to cook, and perfect for meal prep.

The main ingredient is, of course, parsnips. But to give the soup some depth of flavor, I also add in a few potatoes, garlic, and some key spices:

  • Turmeric, for its vibrant color
  • Ground coriander, cumin, and garam masala (or curry powder), for a fragrant, warming blend of spices
  • Fresh chili, for a bit of heat

Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 large parsnips, peeled and chopped into small cubes (produce aisle)
  • 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped into small cubes (produce aisle)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (produce aisle)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric (spices aisle)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander (spices aisle)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (spices aisle)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder (spices aisle)
  • 1 fresh chili, finely chopped (produce aisle)
  • 1 liter vegetable stock (I recommend using 1 stock cube for 1 liter of water to reduce the salt) (soup aisle)

Instructions:

  1. Cut the parsnips and potatoes into small cubes, around 2cm in size.
  2. Heat up a bit of oil in a pan and fry the parsnips and potatoes for about 5 minutes on medium heat until they start to soften.
  3. Add the garlic, turmeric, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and chili to the pan, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the vegetable stock to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer with the lid on for 15-20 minutes, or until the parsnips and potatoes are soft.
  5. Use a handheld blender to blend the soup until smooth. If it needs any additional seasoning, taste and adjust accordingly.
  6. Optional: If you want to add some cream for a richer flavor, now is the time to do so.

This soup pairs perfectly with the Greek yogurt flatbread we made earlier, or even some crusty bread for dipping. And the best part about this recipe is that it allows for improvisation – feel free to experiment with different spices and add-ins to make it your own. Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today. I hope you enjoy this parsnip soup recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Todays photo provided by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash