Parsnip and Herb Soup (Printable Version)

Creamy roasted parsnip soup with fresh herb finish

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1.8 lbs parsnips, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, sliced

→ Pantry

06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 4 cups vegetable stock (gluten-free if needed)
08 - 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
09 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Dairy (optional)

10 - 1/3 cup double cream or crème fraîche (use plant-based for vegan/dairy-free)

→ Fresh Herbs

11 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
12 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
13 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
14 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Toss parsnip chunks with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt on a baking tray. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
03 - Heat the remaining olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and potato. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened but not colored.
04 - Add roasted parsnips to the pan. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until all vegetables are very soft.
05 - Remove from heat. Blend the soup using a stick blender (or in batches with a countertop blender) until silky smooth.
06 - Stir in the cream or crème fraîche, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Reheat gently if needed. Ladle into bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • The roasting step creates this natural sweetness that feels like a secret ingredient nobody will guess
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • The herb finish at the end makes every spoonful feel fresh and bright
02 -
  • Blending hot soup requires caution, never fill your blender more than half full and leave room for steam to escape
  • Letting the roasted parsnips cool slightly before blending helps them incorporate more smoothly
  • The soup will thicken as it sits, so add a splash more stock or water when reheating leftovers
03 -
  • Roast the parsnips until they are deeply golden, almost browned in spots, that is where all the flavor lives
  • Use a potato that is high in starch like a russet for the smoothest texture possible
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