Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup

 

Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup sounds like a hearty and comforting dish, especially for cooler weather! If you’re looking for a recipe to make this at home, here’s a simple and wholesome version featuring a mix of root vegetables and fresh herbs.

Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and diced

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

• 1 bay leaf

• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added richness)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by peeling and dicing all the root vegetables—carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and butternut squash (if using).

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add the Root Veggies: Add the diced carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and butternut squash to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.

4. Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, cumin (if using), and add the bay leaf. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables with the spices.

5. Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot, ensuring the vegetables are fully covered. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and tender.

6. Blend (Optional): If you prefer a creamy, smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Otherwise, you can leave it chunky.

7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf.

8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness.

Tips:

• Add-ins: You can add other root vegetables like turnips or rutabagas for extra flavor.

• Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage also work great if you prefer them over dried thyme.

• Creamy Variation: To make this soup creamier, add a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.

Enjoy your cozy and nutritious bowl of root vegetable goodness