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!