Creamy Parsnip Soup-Polish Way (Zupa Krem z Pasternaku)

This Creamy Parsnip soup is decadent, velvety, and perfect for chilly fall evenings. Made from healthy ingredients and perfect for any occasion.

Polish Creamy Parsnip Soup

Learn how ton Poland, we love cooking with parsnips. They are a staple in our kitchens, especially during the colder months. Their earthy sweetness and slightly nutty flavor make them perfect for creamy soups that bring warmth on a cold day. Similar to their close relative the carrot, Parsnips are often overlooked, but they deserve so much more attention. Their versatility shines in various dishes, but they are particularly delightful when used as the main soup ingredient. When combined with simple ingredients and a touch of fresh herbs, a creamy parsnip soup can be the perfect comfort food for the winter months.

People in the US shy away from cooking with parsnips, maybe because they don’t know what to do with them. Perhaps that is you. You’ve walked by them a thousand times in the grocery store…. surrounded by all those other odd-looking root vegetables. Intrigued and curious? Perhaps. Yet you find yourself with the same-old, same-old… carrots, potatoes, maybe the odd sweet potato, given the right time of year, and you wonder what to do with parsnips, so you just do not buy them.

I wish parsnips were more popular and appreciated. They are not at all that difficult to cook with, and they are delicious! Parsnips are one of my favorite fall/winter root vegetables. I can tell you, from personal experience, that parsnips are a staple for many fine-dining restaurants because they’re very creamy and luxurious….

…but you do not need to have culinary-chef credentials to add parsnips to your cooking repertoire. As humble a vegetable as they might appear, parsnips are pretty versatile. My favorite ways of preparing them are making a puree, mashing them, using them in a soup, roasting them or making fries. I really enjoy cooking with them and the sweetness they provide.

In this paleo parsnip soup, parsnips are the star of the show. You might add salty bacon to balance the parsnips’ sweetness, and the full-fat coconut milk adds richness at the end. Parsnips are perfect for swapping out starchy grains and potatoes when trying to lose weight.

Ingredients For Polish Parsnip Soup

Parsnip: Parsnips are root vegetables with a subtle, earthy sweetness and a slightly nutty flavor. Their texture is starchy, like potatoes, which makes them ideal for creamy soups. When roasted or cooked, they develop a caramelized richness that brings depth to dishes. In Polish cooking, they are often used in soups and stews.

Leek: Leeks are part of the onion family, but they have a much milder, sweeter flavor. They bring a delicate, aromatic taste to soups, providing a soft background note that complements the earthiness of root vegetables like parsnips. When sautéed, they become tender and melt into the dish, adding layers of subtle flavor.

Coconut Milk: Creamy and rich, coconut milk adds a velvety texture to the soup without dairy. It provides a subtle sweetness and mild coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with parsnip’s natural sweetness, balancing the savory and sweet elements in the soup. You can also use heavy cream or none of those above. This soup will be great without the coconut milk or cream as well.

Garlic: Garlic brings a punch of savory depth to the soup. Its sharpness mellows as it cooks, leaving a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the other ingredients. In this soup, garlic acts as a base note that enriches the overall profile without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Vegetable Broth: The backbone of the soup, vegetable broth adds body and flavor to the dish. It helps meld all the ingredients together, offering a savory, slightly herbaceous liquid that allows the sweetness of the parsnip and leek to shine while providing a light, nourishing base.

Celery: Celery brings a crisp, slightly bitter note with an underlying peppery flavor to the soup. It adds freshness and helps balance the sweetness of parsnips and leeks. When cooked, celery softens and blends into the background, providing a subtle aromatic quality that enhances the savory depth of the vegetable broth and other ingredients. Its natural saltiness also complements the creaminess of coconut milk, making it an essential component in building flavor.

How to Make Creamy Parsnip Soup

To make this creamy parsnip soup recipe, you start by peeling small parsnips and slicing them into rounds. You’ll want to roast them until they turn golden brown, releasing their earthy flavor. Lay the sliced parsnips on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake on a baking tray at medium heat. Meanwhile, sauté some leeks with fresh garlic until fragrant in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. You can add some parsley root or even carrots to enhance the soup’s depth.

Next, add vegetable stock or broth and bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat and letting it simmer with a bay leaf. Heavy cream or coconut milk will add a luxurious texture for those who prefer extra richness. Using a stick blender or hand blender, purée the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender or food processor works just as well.

The best part? You can adjust the flavors to suit your palate. A dash of cayenne, fresh thyme leaves, and lemon juice gives a nice balance to the sweetness of the parsnips. You could sprinkle some crispy bacon or even parsnip chips on top for added crunch. Pair this delicious soup with some crusty bread, and it’s the perfect meal for those winter months.

How to Serve It?

1. Garnished with Fresh Herbs: To brighten the flavors and provide a pop of color, add a sprinkle of fresh thyme, parsley, or chives.
2. Crusty Bread or Rolls: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread, sourdough, or whole-grain rolls. The bread can be dipped into the soup, enhancing its comforting richness.
3. Parsnip Chips: For added texture and a fun twist, garnish the soup with homemade parsnip chips. Simply slice parsnips thinly, bake until golden brown, and use them as a crispy topping.
4. Drizzle of Coconut Milk or Olive Oil: To emphasize the creamy texture, swirl a little coconut milk or olive oil over each bowl before serving.
5. Crispy Bacon or Croutons: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits or homemade croutons for extra crunch. These add a savory and crispy contrast to the smooth, creamy soup.
6. Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy finish, add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of cream cheese. These tangy additions will enhance the soup’s richness and balance the sweetness of the parsnips.
7. Sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami kick that complements the soup’s sweetness.

Storage

This creamy parsnip soup keeps well in an airtight container, making it great for meal prep. The soup’s flavors deepen the next time you reheat it, providing a rich, earthy flavor that comforts on cold days. Whether you’re enjoying this soup as a starter or a main course, it’s an easy recipe that brings a little Polish tradition into your home.

Though it’s often compared to potato soup, parsnip soup brings unique flavors. Its high vitamin C and K content is also great for the gut microbiome. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese, and for a more luxurious touch, top with parmesan cheese.

This easy, creamy parsnip soup is perfect for any occasion!

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