Creamy Parsnip and Ginger Soup

With a rich, velvety texture and notes of fresh ginger and coconut milk, our Serious Eats Creamy Parsnip and Ginger Soup offers a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic parsnip soup. This winter warmer is perfect to cozy up with on a cold evening.

In the realm of culinary history, parsnips have long played a supporting role to their more glamorous cousins, carrots and potatoes. But in this luscious soup, parsnips take center stage, showcasing their own unique sweetness and earthy depth. The addition of fresh ginger and coconut milk creates a harmonious balance of flavors, adding a subtle warmth and a touch of tropical flair. The result is a soup that's both comforting and exotic, perfect for a cold winter's night when you're craving something both nourishing and delightful.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 pounds parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the parsnips and vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in the coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
8. Serve hot.

Why It Works

• The combination of parsnips, ginger, and coconut milk creates a symphony of flavors that's both comforting and exotic.
• Using an immersion blender to puree the soup ensures a smooth, velvety texture without having to transfer the soup to a blender.
• Simmering the soup for 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the parsnips to become tender, creating a rich and flavorful broth.