Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 turnip, peeled and chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup cream or milk (or plant-based alternative)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips. Cook for 2–3 minutes to coat in aromatics.
- Pour in the broth. Add thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to desired consistency—smooth or chunky.
- Stir in cream or milk if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like croutons, sour cream, or roasted seeds.
Notes
- Add potatoes or rutabagas for more variety.
- Stir in cooked white beans or lentils for protein.
- A pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika changes the flavor profile beautifully.
- Swirl in Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Top with croutons or pumpkin seeds for texture.
- Use frozen root vegetables if needed—adjust cooking time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg