Curried Parsnip Soup Recipe

Simple & Savory Curried Parsnip Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Warm, comforting curried parsnip soup promises to banish winter’s chill with its aromatic embrace.

Parsnips bring earthy sweetness that dances beautifully with fragrant spices.

Creamy textures meld with gentle curry notes, creating a symphony of flavor.

Gentle simmering transforms humble root vegetables into a luxurious meal.

North Indian culinary traditions inspire this simple yet elegant dish.

Smooth and velvety, each spoonful delivers complex warmth that lingers delightfully.

You’ll want to savor every drop of this soul-nourishing recipe.

FAQs On James Martin Curried Parsnip Soup

  • What are parsnips and why use them in soup?

Parsnips are sweet, nutty root vegetables with a creamy texture when cooked. They add rich flavor and natural sweetness to soups, making them a nutritious alternative to potatoes.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Use vegetable stock instead of any animal-based broths to keep the recipe completely plant-friendly.

  • How do I know when the parsnips are cooked properly?

The parsnips are ready when they’re soft enough to pierce easily with a fork and have a tender, almost creamy consistency. This usually takes around 45-57 minutes of simmering.

Why James Martin Curried Parsnip Soup Is Full Of Warmth

  • Savor Simplified Cooking: This recipe transforms basic parsnips into a luxurious soup with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for home cooks seeking delicious yet uncomplicated meals.
  • Maximize Flavor Potential: Curry powder infuses the soup with warm, aromatic spices, while frying parsnip peelings creates a crunchy garnish that elevates the entire dish's taste profile and texture.
  • Quick Comfort in a Bowl: The soup comes together rapidly, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out, ideal for chilly evenings or when craving something nourishing and comforting.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for different dietary preferences, this soup can be easily modified to suit vegetarian or vegan needs, making it a flexible option for diverse households and meal planning.

Ingredients Needed For James Martin Curried Parsnip Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Parsnips: Sweet, earthy root vegetables that provide the foundational flavor and creamy texture of the soup.
  • Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety consistency for the soup.
  • Curry Powder: Provides warm, aromatic spices that give the soup its distinctive curried flavor profile.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Garnish and Topping:
  • Parsnip Peelings: Crispy, golden-brown garnish that adds a crunchy texture and intensified parsnip flavor to the finished soup.

How To Cook James Martin Curried Parsnip Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

Chop the parsnips into uniform chunks. Pour milk into a large pot and add the parsnips along with curry powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the parsnips to soften and infuse with the warm, aromatic curry flavors. Cook until the parsnips become tender and easily pierced with a fork, typically around 25-30 minutes.

Step 2: Create Crispy Parsnip Garnish

While the soup simmers, carefully peel the remaining parsnips into thin, delicate strips. Heat a skillet with a touch of oil and carefully fry the parsnip peelings until they turn golden and crisp. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to enhance their savory crunch. Remove from heat and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Blend to Silky Smoothness

Transfer the cooked parsnips and milk mixture to a blender. Blend until the soup becomes completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed to bring out the rich curry and sweet parsnip flavors.

Step 4: Gentle Reheating

Return the blended soup to the pot and warm gently over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent any scorching and ensure an even temperature throughout.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot, creamy soup into serving bowls. Top each portion with the crispy parsnip peelings. Optional garnishes could include a swirl of cream, chopped fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of additional curry powder for extra flavor.

Smart Tips For James Martin Curried Parsnip Soup

  • Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast curry powder in a dry pan briefly before adding to the soup to enhance its aromatic notes and release deeper, richer spice profiles.
  • Prevent Dairy Curdling: Use room temperature milk and avoid boiling to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without separation.
  • Boost Texture Variation: Save some parsnip peelings to create crispy garnish, adding delightful crunch and visual appeal to the finished soup.
  • Control Soup Consistency: Adjust liquid amount while blending to achieve desired thickness, using reserved cooking liquid or extra milk for a personalized texture.
  • Elevate Nutritional Value: Consider using plant-based milk for a vegan version, maintaining the soup's rich and comforting character while expanding dietary options.

New Ideas For James Martin Curried Parsnip Soup

  • Vegan Coconut Curry Soup: Replace milk with coconut milk and use vegetable broth for a dairy-free, plant-based version.
  • Spicy Ginger Parsnip Soup: Add fresh grated ginger and red chili flakes for a warming, zesty kick.
  • Roasted Root Vegetable Soup: Mix parsnips with carrots and sweet potatoes for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap parsnips with cauliflower for a lighter, keto-friendly soup option.

Best Pairings For James Martin Curried Parsnip Soup

  • Elevate Flavor Contrast: Pair this creamy curried parsnip soup with a crisp, dry Riesling that cuts through the richness and complements the curry's warm spices.
  • Add Texture Crunch: Serve alongside toasted sourdough bread or herbed croutons to provide a satisfying textural counterpoint to the smooth soup.
  • Balance Spice Profile: Recommend a light, refreshing salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the soup's warm curry notes and cleanse the palate.
  • Protein Companion: Suggest grilled chicken or pan-seared scallops as a protein side that won't overpower the delicate parsnip and curry flavors.

How To Store James Martin Curried Parsnip Soup Properly

  • Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creamy consistency.
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Curried Parsnip Soup Recipe

Curried Parsnip Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 67 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Warm winter nights welcome this comforting curried parsnip soup, blending creamy British countryside roots with exotic spice notes. Rich, velvety textures and subtle curry warmth invite you to savor each spoonful of delightful culinary harmony.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 600 grams (21.16 ounces) parsnips, peeled and diced
  • 400 milliliters (13.5 fluid ounces) full-fat milk

Seasonings:

  • 1 pinch curry powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Garnish (Optional):

  • Croutons
  • Heavy cream
  • Pea shoots

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop parsnips into uniform chunks for even cooking.
  2. Combine parsnips with milk and curry powder in a large pot, simmering gently at medium-low heat for approximately 45-57 minutes until vegetables become tender and soft.
  3. While soup simmers, carefully separate parsnip peelings and fry in a separate pan until they transform into crispy, golden-brown garnish.
  4. Sprinkle sea salt over the fried peelings to enhance their savory flavor.
  5. Transfer the simmered mixture into a blender, processing until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
  6. Taste the pureed soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Return blended soup to the pot, warming gently over low heat to prevent scorching.
  8. Ladle the creamy, aromatic soup into serving bowls.
  9. Garnish with the crispy parsnip peelings and optional complementary toppings like fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream.
  10. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Swap dairy milk with coconut or almond milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Toast curry powder briefly before adding to enhance its rich, deep flavor profile and reduce raw spice intensity.
  • Use vegetable stock instead of milk for a lighter, less caloric soup option that still delivers robust taste.
  • Roast parsnip peelings at high temperature to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent burning, creating a perfect crunchy garnish.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 57 mins
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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