Creamy Parsnip Soup

By : Chris Ekstrom

What do you do with a parsnip?  Parsnips have a unique subtle flavor I was first introduced to in the form of a soup, Creamy Parsnip Soup.  Sure, there are many ways to eat a parsnip but this soup is a simple delicious way to experience the goodness of parsnips.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. Of chopped parsnips (approx. 1” cubes)

1 onion or leek, chopped                                       

1 clove garlic, chopped

4 tablespoons butter

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups milk

Parsley or cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.  First, add chopped onion or leeks and stir frequently until creamy but not brown, about 10 minutes, then add garlic; cook an additional minute or two.  Next, add chopped parsnips and vegetable broth, then heat and simmer until parsnips are tender, about twenty minutes.  Next, blend the mixture with either a hand held immersion blender or an Osterizer-type blender; if using the latter, let prepared ingredients cool and blend in batches.  Finally, gradually stir in milk while simmering; be careful not to curdle milk with too high a heat.

Garnish with parsley, cilantro, ground pepper and/or salt.