CREAMY PARSNIP AND CAULIFLOWER SOUP

Creamy Parsnip and Cauliflower Soup image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
12 ounces parsnips, peeled and chopped, tough cores discarded, plus roasted parsnips, for serving
8 ounces cauliflower florets, plus roasted cauliflower, for serving
2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1/3 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Steps:

Heat the oil in a large wide pot over medium heat. Add the onion, a large pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, rosemary and nutmeg; cook until the garlic is softened, about 30 seconds more.
Add the parsnips, cauliflower, broth and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, cover and simmer until the parsnips and cauliflower are tender, about 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes.
Carefully puree in batches in a blender until smooth, taking care not to fill the carafe more than half full per batch, or directly in the pot with an immersion blender. Reheat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming. Stir in the half-and-half and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Add a few splashes of hot water if the soup is too thick. Top with a piece of roasted cauliflower and roasted parsnip. Sprinkle with the chives.