Creamy Crock Pot Carrot and Parsnip Delight
Discover the comforting flavors of this Creamy Crock Pot Carrot and Parsnip Delight, perfect for warming your soul on chilly days. This easy-to-make soup combines the natural sweetness of carrots and parsnips with the aromatic essence of garlic and onions, all slow-cooked to perfection. With a touch of curry powder for warmth and optional heavy cream for richness, this soup is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that's sure to impress family and friends. Serve it as a hearty appetizer or alongside crusty bread, and don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that extra pop of color!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
carrots
8 (peeled and cut into coarse pieces)
parsnips
8 (peeled and cut into coarse pieces)
butter or margarine
1/4 cup (for sautéing onions)
onions
2 large (diced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
chicken broth or vegetable broth
8 cups (as base liquid)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
curry powder
to taste (for seasoning)
heavy cream
as desired (for optional creaminess)
fresh parsley
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the carrots and parsnips, then cut them into coarse, even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
2
Dice the onions and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with butter (or margarine) and minced garlic. Microwave on high for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are softened, then set aside.
3
In your crock pot, add the chopped parsnips and carrots, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and mix in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours, or until the vegetables are thoroughly tender.
5
Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the crock pot until it reaches your desired smoothness. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until creamy.
6
Season your soup with salt, pepper, and curry powder according to your taste preference. If desired, stir in the heavy cream gradually to enhance the flavor and add a silky texture.
7
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Crock Pot Carrot and Parsnip Delight?
It is a comforting, slow-cooked soup that combines the natural sweetness of carrots and parsnips with aromatic garlic and onions for a soul-warming meal.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 8 carrots, 8 parsnips, 2 large onions, 4 garlic cloves, and 8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
The soup should be cooked on high for 6 to 8 hours until the vegetables are thoroughly tender.
Is this carrot and parsnip soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by using vegetable broth, substituting butter with oil or margarine, and omitting the optional heavy cream.
How should I prepare the carrots and parsnips?
You should peel them and cut them into coarse, even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly in the slow cooker.
What is the best way to soften the onions?
Dice the onions and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with 1/4 cup of butter and minced garlic, then microwave on high for 5 minutes.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves to add an aromatic essence to the soup.
What kind of broth can I use?
You can use either 8 cups of chicken broth or 8 cups of vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
When do I add the curry powder?
Curry powder should be added after the soup has been pureed to season it according to your taste preference.
Is heavy cream mandatory for this soup?
No, heavy cream is optional and should be stirred in gradually if you desire extra richness and a silky texture.
How do I puree the soup?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the crock pot or transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender until it reaches your desired smoothness.
What garnish is recommended?
The recipe suggests garnishing the hot soup with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
How many onions are required?
You will need 2 large diced onions for this recipe.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine when softening the onions and garlic.
How much butter is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of butter or margarine.
What are the suggested seasonings?
Salt, pepper, and curry powder are used to season the soup to taste.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the recipe uses 16 root vegetables and 8 cups of broth, making it a large batch suitable for families.
What should I serve with this soup?
This soup is excellent served as a hearty appetizer or alongside crusty bread.
Is this soup considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
Can I cook this on a low setting instead?
The recipe specifies 6-8 hours on high; if cooking on low, it would typically take much longer, usually 10-12 hours.
Does this soup freeze well?
Yes, carrot and parsnip soups generally freeze well, though it is best to freeze them before adding any optional heavy cream.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The soup is sweet from the root vegetables, savory from the onions and garlic, and has a hint of warmth from the curry powder.
How many carrots are used?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 carrots.
How many parsnips are used?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 parsnips.
Can I use store-bought minced garlic?
Yes, you can use store-bought minced garlic, using about 1/2 teaspoon per clove required.
What is the purpose of the immersion blender?
The immersion blender is used to puree the cooked vegetables into a smooth and creamy liquid.
Are the vegetables peeled?
Yes, the instructions state to peel both the carrots and the parsnips before cutting them.
Is this recipe suitable for chilly days?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for warming your soul on chilly days.
Can I add other spices?
While the recipe suggests curry powder, you can adjust the seasoning with other herbs or spices to suit your preference.