The Changing of the Seasons

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of autumn. The vibrant hues of falling leaves and the comforting scents of spices and roasted vegetables fill me with a sense of excitement, and I can’t wait to get into the kitchen and start whipping up all manner of cozy, nourishing dishes.

Recently, I’ve been particularly enamored with the idea of a roasted parsnip and apple soup. You see, these past few months, the weather in Seattle has been nothing short of glorious – warm, sunny days and bright blue skies as far as the eye can see. I can scarcely recall a single drop of rain, and my mind has conveniently erased any memory of it. Each day, I make it a point to bask in the sun, hoping for just one more day like the last.

But alas, the crisp air has started to creep in, and I’ve had to break out my winter scarf and tuck away my shorts and tanks. My coffee intake has doubled, and I even made the premature decision to turn on the fireplace yesterday, only to find myself sweaty and uncomfortable mere minutes later. Ah, the joys of transitional weather!

The Joys of Autumn Produce

As the seasons shift, so too do the fruits and vegetables that are in abundance. I find myself buying far too many tiny heirloom tomatoes, knowing that soon enough, all I’ll be able to find are pale, tasteless specimens that I’d rather not bother with. But on the bright side, my basil is thriving in the sun, growing and sprouting like mad, and I’m more than happy to incorporate it into just about everything I make.

As the Flourishing Foodie blog notes, ‘Tis the season for tubers and root vegetables. Soups, pumpkins, fireplaces, bourbon and whiskey – the very essence of autumn. And of course, parsnips are a quintessential part of this lineup.

Now, I know parsnips may not be the prettiest vegetable out there, but I absolutely adore their sweet, spicy flavour. When roasted, they take on a wonderfully buttery quality that pairs beautifully with the floral sweetness of apples. The starch from the parsnips and potatoes helps to thicken the soup beautifully, requiring less cream in the end.

Crafting the Perfect Roasted Parsnip Apple Soup

So, with all of this in mind, I decided it was high time I got to work on a delectable roasted parsnip and apple soup. I waltzed into the kitchen, tied on my apron, and got to it. First, I roasted the parsnips to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavour. Then, I got to work on the soup base, sautéing onions in browned butter and nutmeg, before adding in the apples, potatoes, and my roasted parsnips.

As The Vegan Larder blog suggests, the key to this soup is striking the right balance between the parsnips and apples – too many apples, and it can taste like pureed baby food, but with the right ratio, the apple lends a lovely, subtle sweetness that complements the parsnips beautifully.

I simmered the whole mixture in vegetable broth until the vegetables were tender, then blended it all up until it was gloriously smooth and creamy. A touch of heavy cream finished it off, and voila – a cozy, autumnal delight.

The Perfect Finishing Touches

Now, no soup is complete without the perfect garnishes, in my humble opinion. As the Flourishing Foodie blog mentions, I’ve been on a bit of a toasting kick lately, so I knew I had to incorporate some crispy, golden croutons.

I sliced up a fresh loaf of sourdough, tossed the cubes in a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, and baked them until they were perfectly crisp. These crunchy little morsels are the perfect accompaniment to the silky smooth soup, allowing you to scoop up every last drop.

To round things out, I added a few shavings of fresh Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of chopped basil. The Parmesan adds a lovely salty, umami note, while the basil lends a bright, herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness of the soup.

A Cozy Autumnal Delight

And there you have it – my cozy, autumnal roasted parsnip and apple soup. As I sit here, sipping on a steaming bowl of this velvety, aromatic delight, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment and coziness wash over me. The flavors are a harmonious dance of sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spice, making for a truly satisfying and comforting experience.

So, whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly autumn day or simply want to indulge in a little bit of seasonal nostalgia, I highly recommend giving this roasted parsnip and apple soup a try. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore the rest of our recipes for even more autumnal inspiration? Happy cooking!