Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Parsnip and Pear Cream Soup?
It is a rich and velvety soup that combines the natural sweetness of parsnips and pears with aromatic curry powder and nutmeg for a comforting, healthy meal.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include parsnips, carrots, onions, celery, pear, sodium-free vegetable broth, evaporated skim milk, curry powder, white pepper, and nutmeg.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and dairy-based milk without any meat products.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What spices provide the flavor in this recipe?
The soup is flavored with curry powder, fresh ground white pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg.
How long does it take to simmer the vegetables?
The vegetables should be simmered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are very tender.
What type of milk is used for the creamy texture?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of evaporated skim milk to create a creamy consistency without high fat content.
Can I use a regular blender to puree the soup?
Yes, you can use a regular blender. If you do, let the soup cool slightly before blending and work in batches if necessary.
Should the pear be peeled before cooking?
Yes, the pear should be peeled and chopped before being added to the saucepan with the other vegetables.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This soup contains approximately 2.3 grams of fat per serving.
Does this soup contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the Spiced Parsnip and Pear Cream Soup?
There are 33.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is it better to use fresh nutmeg?
The recipe recommends using freshly grated nutmeg if possible for the best flavor profile.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 6 cups of sodium-free vegetable broth.
What should I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, which can be used for dipping.
What are the recommended garnishes?
You can garnish the soup with a sprinkle of curry powder or a drizzle of cream if desired.
Can I use an immersion blender?
Yes, an immersion blender is the easiest way to puree the soup directly in the saucepan until smooth.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and vegetable-heavy, featuring low fat and nutrient-rich ingredients like parsnips and carrots.
What season is this soup best suited for?
With its warm spices and seasonal ingredients, it is particularly well-suited for autumn and chilly evenings.
How much parsnip is required?
The recipe requires 1 lb of chopped parsnips.
How much curry powder should I add?
You should add 1 teaspoon of curry powder to the soup.
Do I need to cook the vegetables before adding the broth?
No, you combine the chopped parsnips, carrots, onion, celery, and pear with the vegetable broth and bring them to a boil together.
Is there a bay leaf in the instructions?
The instructions mention discarding a bay leaf before pureeing, though it is not listed in the ingredients; it is a common optional addition for extra flavor.
How many onions are needed?
One chopped onion is needed for this recipe.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, after pureeing the soup, you should taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
What size should the carrots be chopped?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of chopped carrots; uniform small pieces will help them cook evenly within 30 minutes.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup contains curry powder and white pepper, providing a warm, aromatic spice rather than intense heat.
How many stalks of celery are used?
The recipe uses 1 stalk of chopped celery.
Is this recipe good for dinner parties?
Yes, its rich, velvety texture and sophisticated flavor make it an excellent starter for dinner parties.
How much white pepper should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground white pepper.