Parsnip and Apple Soup

Warm your soul with the delightful blend of flavors in this Parsnip and Apple Soup. The natural sweetness of parsnips is artfully balanced by the gentle heat of mild curry powder and the tartness of Granny Smith apples. This smooth and creamy winter soup is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for keeping you cozy during cold days.

SERVES 4
PREP 20 MIN
COOK 30 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS
WITHOUT CREAM AND LEMON JUICE

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1⁄2 tbsp (10g) butter
• 1⁄2 Spanish onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 tsp mild curry powder
• 21⁄4lb (1kg) parsnips, chopped
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 quart (1 liter) hot vegetable stock or light chicken stock
• 1⁄2 cup (100ml) hot water
• 6 tbsp light cream
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over low heat. Add the finely chopped Spanish onion, crushed garlic, and mild curry powder. Cook gently, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes or until the onion softens.
2. Golden Parsnips: Add the chopped parsnips to the pan and season them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Turn up the heat slightly and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the parsnips turn golden.
3. Add Apple: Stir in the peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apple and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Introduce Stock: Pour in the hot vegetable stock or light chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the parsnips become tender.
5. Blend and Strain: Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for several minutes. Transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and process until it becomes smooth and creamy. Pass the soup through a sieve, placed over the pan, to remove any fibrous bits.
6. Adjust Consistency: Rinse out the blender or food processor with the hot water and stir this into the soup. Reheat it gently.
7. Add Cream and Lemon Juice: Stir in the light cream and lemon juice, ensuring they are well incorporated. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
8. Serve Hot: Ladle the piping hot Parsnip and Apple Soup into bowls, and savor the harmonious blend of flavors that balance the sweetness of parsnips with the zesty apple and curry. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delightful winter soup.

This soup not only tantalizes your taste buds but also warms you from the inside out. It’s an ideal choice for those chilly days when you crave a bowl of comforting goodness.