This Easy Cozy Root Vegetable Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Made with comforting root veggies like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, it’s perfect for chilly days.
What I love most is how simple it is to make. Just chop, simmer, and enjoy! It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing. Don’t forget a little bread for dipping! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and richness to your soup. You can substitute with canola or avocado oil if you’re looking for a different taste or if olive oil isn’t available.
Mixed Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and parsnips work well together, but feel free to swap in turnips or beets for a different flavor profile. Use any root veggies you have on hand!
Sweet Potato: This gives the soup its creamy texture and sweetness. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes can be used, but your soup will be less sweet. You can add a touch of brown sugar for sweetness if needed.
Vegetable Broth: Homemade is best! However, store-bought is fine too. If you are short on broth, water works in a pinch, though it might lack depth. Just add more herbs to enhance the flavor!
Heavy Cream/Coconut Cream: This is optional but adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a great substitute. You can also use cashew cream for something different.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture in Your Soup?
Achieving a creamy texture is a key part of making this root vegetable soup delicious. Here are some handy tips:
- Roasting Vegetables: Roast the sweet potatoes and broccoli until they are slightly charred, which adds a lovely depth of flavor. Make sure to toss them with olive oil and seasonings before roasting.
- Using an Immersion Blender: This handy tool makes blending the soup directly in the pot super easy. If you plan to use a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit before blending to avoid splatters.
- Blending in Batches: If using a blender, fill it only halfway to prevent overflow. Blend until smooth and creamy for that perfect consistency.
- Adding Cream: Stir in cream or coconut cream after blending for extra richness. It can make a huge difference in texture!
With these tips, you’ll end up with a beautifully creamy and comforting soup perfect for any cold day!
Easy Cozy Root Vegetable Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups mixed root vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and parsnips), peeled and chopped
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This cozy root vegetable soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 45 minutes total, including roasting and simmering. You’ll have a warm, comforting soup ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Roast:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the sweet potato chunks and broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and slightly charred.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While your veggies are roasting, grab a large pot and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing!
3. Mix in Vegetables and Broth:
Now, add the chopped root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and parsnips) to the pot along with the vegetable broth and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the veggies are tender, which will take about 20 minutes.
4. Puree the Soup:
Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s nice and smooth. If you only have a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until smooth. Always be careful with hot soup!
5. Season and Serve:
Taste the soup and season it with salt and black pepper as you like. Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle a swirl of cream or coconut cream on top if you desire. Finish off by topping with the roasted sweet potato and broccoli pieces.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Lastly, garnish your soup with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra cozy touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, comforting root vegetable soup!
This soup is creamy and packed with the natural sweetness of roasted root veggies, making it the perfect treat for chilly days!
FAQ About Easy Cozy Root Vegetable Soup
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, feel free to substitute in other root vegetables like turnips, beets, or even squash to match your preferences or what you have on hand.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
This soup is naturally vegan if you omit the cream or use coconut cream, which is plant-based. Just make sure to check that your vegetable broth is also vegan-friendly!
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can make the soup a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens up too much.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months—just make sure to leave some space in the container as it will expand when frozen!
