Creamy Parsnip and Cauliflower Soup

This soup is not demanding or elaborate, but its simple ingredients together create a rich, creamy parsnip and cauliflower soup perfect for a cold day.
By Julia Johnson

This time of year, I can think of no better way to spend a day than standing over a slowly simmering pot of soup. For me, it’s a way to unwind. I find calm in watching the steam rise in lazy curls from the pot, and of bowing my head over them to inhale deeply. Nothing is hurried, nothing sudden. There is no urgency, no pressure.

A couple heads of cauliflower and a handful of parsnips promised a simple, yet warming combination of autumnal flavors. To that I added some thyme and bay leaves, which released their herbaceous and lively aromas as they simmered along with the vegetables. After cooking, I added a touch of heavy cream and sweet, roasted garlic for richness and depth. All in all, a mere seven ingredients flavor this dish – each one working together with the next to complement and balance, yet also receiving the attention it deserves.

Creamy Parsnip and Cauliflower Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Julia Johnson
• Total Time: 105 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Diet: Omnivore

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Simple ingredients create a luxuriously creamy soup, perfect for a chilly evening. Roasting adds depth of flavor.

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 cups (591 ml) chopped white onion
• 2 heads cauliflower
• 2 lbs (907 g) parsnips
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 heads of garlic
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. For the Soup:
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. For the Garlic and Roasted Cauliflower Garnish:
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Once soup has simmered for 45 minutes and the vegetables are tender, remove from heat. Carefully remove the bay leaves and sprigs of thyme 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.
10. Add the heavy cream and adjust the seasoning to taste. If soup is too thick, add a bit of water.
11. Serve the soup in bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle roasted cauliflower florets and thyme leaves over the top as garnish.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, roast the parsnips and cauliflower before adding them to the soup.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk for a similar creaminess.
• Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 400
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 12
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Carbohydrates: 30
• Fiber: 5
• Protein: 5
• Cholesterol: 30

If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These

• Triple French Onion Soup
• Tuscan Peasant Soup with Pancetta
• Schiacciata: Savory Italian Pie with Broccoli and Fontina
• Creamy Carrot and Potato Soup