Parsnip soup is the soup made from parsnip, a root vegetable which is a close cousin of carrot. Parsnips are paler than carrots and have a sweeter taste on being cooked, and impart a sweet, spicy and buttery flavor to the soup. The soup is laden with essential vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium.
History of Parsnip
Parsnip is native to the Mediterranean region, and the original parsnips were as small as baby carrots. They were later taken to the northern part of Europe by the Romans who expanded their empire, and grew larger in size as they were cultivated farther in the north. Historical literature from Greek and Rome has evidence about the existence of parsnip in those times.
Parsnip Soup Recipe Overview
Ingredients: Ingredients required for preparing parsnip soup include butter, finely chopped onions, chopped potato, peeled and chopped parsnips, cumin, curry powder, coriander powder, cardamom powder, salt, pepper, double cream and chicken or vegetable stock. Nutmeg is used for garnish. Greek style yoghurt and olive oil drizzle are also used for garnishing the soup according to some recipes, while cheese may be used as an additional ingredient.
Method of Preparation: The Parsnip soup recipe suggests sautéing onions and potatoes in melted butter and then, adding the parsnips and seasonings. When well mixed, the stock is added to these ingredients, and the contents are allowed to cook by simmering till the parsnips are soft. The soup thus prepared is allowed to cool a bit, and then blended till smooth in a blender. The soup is dished out in soup bowls, and cream and nutmeg garnish is added before serving.
Serving Parsnip Soup
The soup is served as an appetizer before the main course, garnished with nutmeg, olive oil drizzle, Greek style yoghurt, etc. Bacon bits may optionally be added to the soup.
Parsnip Soup Recipe: Nutritional Information
Parsnip soup is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, which are found at higher levels in parsnip than in carrots. It is very rich in calcium, and 600mg of calcium is found in 1g of parsnip. It is, thus, extremely beneficial for bone and dental health, as well as in conditions like osteoporosis. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, and hence beneficial for digestion and overall health.
A single serving of parsnip soup contains approximately 120 calories, 4.5g fat, 18g carbohydrates, 2g protein and 810mg sodium.
Dishes Similar to Parsnip Soup
Parsnips can be cooked in the form of stews and casseroles as well. Roasted parsnip is an essential food at Christmas dinners in various English speaking nations, and also features in the Sunday Roast. It can also be fried to make chips or crisps.