Curried Parsnip and Apple Soup

Serves 8

Yields about 10 cups

by Greg Patent
from Fine Cooking
Issue 119
Last Edit Date: 8/22/2012 1:19:34 PM

Apples that soften when cooked (like Empires, Jonathans, and McIntoshes) make a velvety puréed soup. Curry powder and fresh ginger give the soup a flavor boost, while the chive and apple garnish adds a fresh layer of brightness, calling out the apple flavor.

more about:

1 lb. (about 3 medium) tart apples that soften easily when cooked, such as Empire, Jonathan, or McIntosh
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
2 large leeks (white and light-green parts only), chopped and well rinsed (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1-1/2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
1 Tbs. tomato paste
2 tsp. finely chopped garlic (2 medium cloves)
1 tsp. mild curry powder
1/3 cup dry white vermouth, such as Noilly Prat
2 large parsnips (9 oz. total), peeled, quartered lengthwise, cored, and chopped (about 2 cups)
1 medium (6 oz.) Yukon Gold potato, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
4 cups lower-salt chicken broth
Kosher salt
1/3 cup heavy cream
Freshly ground white pepper
3 Tbs. thinly sliced chives

Cut 1 quarter from one of the apples.Wrap the unpeeled quarter in plastic wrap and reserve. Peel, core, and quarter the rest of the apples. Chop the peeled apples into 1/2-inch pieces and toss with the lemon juice in a medium bowl.

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-duty 4-quart saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and onion and cook, covered, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes.

Stir in the ginger, tomato paste, garlic, and curry powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the vermouth and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has almost evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the chopped apple, parsnips, and potatoes and stir to coat well. Add the chicken broth and 1-1/2 tsp. salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium low, partially cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the apples and vegetables are very tender, about 30 minutes.

In a blender, purée the soup in batches until completely smooth. Transfer the soup to a clean 4-quart saucepan, stir in the cream, and season to taste with salt and white pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Cut the reserved apple quarter into small dice. Serve the soup sprinkled with the diced apple and chives.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made 2 days ahead and kept covered and refrigerated. Reheat it gently and garnish just before serving.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 230; Fat (g): 14; Fat Calories (kcal): 120; Saturated Fat (g): 6; Protein (g): 4; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 6; Carbohydrates (g): 24; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1; Sodium (mg): 280; Cholesterol (mg): 25; Fiber (g): 3;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by mowgli, 11/6/2012I love this soup - the apple stands out for me, but also great is the curry and parsnip (which I love!). I did not add any heavy cream - a BIT of 2% milk, which I have on hand...that's all - it freezes well too. This is a keeper for our family!

by VThomas, 10/26/2012Made this last night for dinner and really enjoyed it! I halved the recipe and used fat free half-and-half in lieu of heavy cream and a chardonnay instead of vermouth. When I make this again, I will use less leeks and add one more apple. I served this with an arugula salad.

by kzatrini, 10/17/2012This was incredibly bland. I was disappointed because the recipe looked so interesting.

by HarperLee, 10/8/2012Made it tonight. Also felt there was something off. Too many ingredients to not have more of an impact.

by aflour, 10/8/2012It was creamy. Had an interesting flavor. However, something was not very appealing about the taste. I will not be making this one again. It wasn't bad but it wasn't a "keeper".

by Pielove, 10/3/2012This soup is creamy, lush, and delicious. Make sure your vermouth is really dry-- I didn't realize mine was on the sweet side until after I added it. The soup is good with blue cheese crostini on the side-- and (if you like spice) with a big gob of Thai chili garlic paste stirred in!

by user-309838, 9/10/2012I served it last night for a dinner party and our guests raved about it. I made it the night before and put it in the refrigerator, so the flavors had melded nicely. I also think that I will try adding yogurt in lieu of heavy cream next time, just to make it a little healthier. (But the cream was really good!)