Welcome to a culinary journey that harmonizes the earthy sweetness of parsnips and the delicate texture of cauliflower into a velvety symphony of flavors. Our creamy parsnip and cauliflower soup is more than just a soup; it's a comforting embrace on a chilly evening, a soothing elixir for the soul. Dive into the creamy depths of this delectable dish and let your taste buds embark on an extraordinary adventure.
This delectable soup is not only a treat for your palate but also a symphony of health benefits. Parsnips, with their high fiber content, support a healthy digestive system and contribute to a feeling of fullness. Cauliflower, a powerhouse of antioxidants, shields your cells from damage and boosts your overall well-being. Together, they create a wholesome and nourishing meal that nourishes your body and uplifts your spirit.
Accompanying this creamy parsnip and cauliflower soup are a medley of delightful variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences and culinary curiosities. Discover the vibrant flavors of a vegan version crafted with creamy coconut milk, the umami richness of a bacon-infused rendition, and the tangy zest of a lemon-herb twist. Each variation is a testament to the versatility of this culinary masterpiece, offering a unique flavor profile that tantalizes the senses and leaves you craving more.
CREAMY PARSNIP AND CAULIFLOWER SOUP
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a heavy-bottomed large dutch oven or stock pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions and sweat, stirring occasionally, until translucent and just beginning to brown on the edges, about 10 - 15 minutes.
- While the onions cook, prepare the cauliflower and parsnips: remove the greens from the stems of the cauliflower and cut the stems into 1-inch sized chunks. Separate the heads into florets. Reserve 2 heaping cups of the florets and set aside. Add the rest of the cauliflower to a large bowl. Peel the parsnips and cut into 1-inch sized pieces. Add the parsnips to the bowl with the cauliflower.
- Once the onions are translucent, add the parsnips and cauliflower and increase the heat to medium. Cook for 15 minutes, until vegetables are just beginning to brown on the edges. Add 8 cups of water, the thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a simmer, and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the garlic and roasted cauliflower garnish: Separate the reserved 2 heaping cups of florets into even smaller florets. Spread evenly in one layer on a sheet pan. Cut the garlic heads in half horizontally, keeping the peels on, and arrange next to the cauliflower. Drizzle everything with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt. Transfer to the preheated oven and roast. After about 25 - 30 minutes, once cauliflower is browned, remove from the pan and set aside. Allow garlic to continue roasting for an additional 10 - 15 minutes until soft and browned on the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Once soup has simmered for 45 minutes and the vegetables are tender, remove from heat. Carefully remove the bay leaves and sprigs of thyme (the leaves will have fallen off by this point) and discard. Squeeze the roasted garlic from the peels into the soup, being careful not to get any peels into the pot. Working in batches, or with an immersion blender, puree the soup until completely smooth. If using a blender, transfer the soup back to the pot after its pureed to rewarm.
- Add the heavy cream and adjust the seasoning to taste (I added 3 teaspoons of salt and a few cracks of black pepper). If soup is too thick for your liking, you can add a bit of water at this point (though I didn't need to).
- Serve the soup in bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle roasted cauliflower florets and thyme leaves over the top as garnish.
CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP
Creamy soups can be soul-warming and so very satisfying. I received this recipe from a friend, and over the years I have served it many times and for many occasions. It makes a lot, so you'll have dinners all week. Or ladle it into a thermos for on-the-go dinners or lunches. - Doris Watt Davis, Hellertown, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 1h
Yield 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, combine the broth, celery, onion and carrot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add cauliflower; cover and simmer 15-20 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Cool slightly., Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. , In a blender or food processor, process vegetable mixture in batches until smooth; return to pan. Stir in the cream, parsley, salt, dill, pepper and white sauce; heat through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 195 calories, Fat 12g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 874mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
CREAMY CAULIFLOWER AND PARSNIP SOUP
The addition of rice to the mix here gives the soup its silky smooth texture once pureed. This can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and frozen.
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 40m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat the butter and oil over low heat in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the garlic and onions and cook, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Add the milk, 1 cup water, the rice, salt, marjoram, parsnips and cauliflower. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the cauliflower and parsnips are tender and the rice is thoroughly cooked, about 15 minutes. (Don't be alarmed if the milk looks curdled, it will become creamy once pureed.)
- Working in batches, transfer the soup to a food processor and puree until smooth. For a thinner consistency, add more milk. Serve garnished with chives, if you like.
CREAMY LEEK AND PARSNIP SOUP
This soup has a kind of quiet charm. Whizzed until creamy in a blender, it is a happy marriage of silky leeks and earthy parsnips - think leek and potato soup, but with more depth of character. It's very good made with water instead of broth; sautéing the leeks and parsnips very slowly, to concentrate flavor before adding liquid, is the key to success.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories weeknight, soups and stews, main course
Time 25m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Put olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add leeks and parsnips, and stir to coat. Add the 2 teaspoons salt and pepper to taste.
- Let vegetables sizzle and cook, stirring frequently until nearly caramelized, but without browning, until softened, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add bay leaf, turmeric and garlic, and stir to coat. Increase heat to high, add water or broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes more. Taste broth and adjust seasoning.
- With a blender, purée soup to a creamy consistency. (Small batches work best.) Thin with water or broth, if necessary - it should be like a thin milkshake, not thick and porridge-like.
- Reheat the soup before serving. Serve plain, or give each bowl a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt, if desired.
Tips:
- Choose fresh vegetables: Use fresh parsnips and cauliflower for the best flavor and texture.
- Roast the vegetables before blending: Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes them slightly, adding a rich flavor to the soup.
- Use a high-powered blender: A high-powered blender will ensure that the soup is smooth and creamy, without any lumps.
- Season the soup to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste, until the soup is flavorful but not overpowering.
- Garnish the soup before serving: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of sour cream can add a pop of color and flavor to the soup.
Conclusion:
This creamy parsnip and cauliflower soup is a delicious and healthy way to warm up on a cold day. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a comforting and nutritious meal, give this soup a try!
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