Hearty White Potato and Parsnip Soup with Fresh Herbs

This comforting and delicious Hearty White Potato and Parsnip Soup combines the earthy flavors of parsnips and potatoes with a medley of herbs to create a warm and inviting dish perfect for chilly evenings. The creamy texture and aromatic herbs make this a delightful soup that’s hearty enough to serve as a main course with some crusty bread on the side.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups cubed white potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
– 2 cups peeled and cubed parsnips
– 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
– 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 bay leaf
– Bread rolls or croutons, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
– Wash and peel the potatoes and parsnips. Cut them into even-sized cubes.
– Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
– Prepare the fresh herbs by finely chopping the thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Potatoes and Parsnips:
– Add the cubed white potatoes and parsnips to the pot.
– Stir to coat the vegetables in the oil and onion mixture.

4. Pour in the Broth:
– Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot.
– Drop in the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer the Soup:
– Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and parsnips are tender.

6. Blend the Soup:
– Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
– Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth.

7. Add the Cream and Herbs:
– Stir in the heavy cream.
– Add the fresh thyme and rosemary.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Serve the Soup:
– Ladle the soup into bowls.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
– Serve with warm bread rolls or croutons on the side for a complete meal.

Enjoy your Hearty White Potato and Parsnip Soup with Fresh Herbs!