How to Make French Soup with Root Vegetables

French soup with root vegetables is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. This hearty meal not only warms you up but also offers a medley of flavors and nutrients. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious French soup using root vegetables.

Ingredients

To make this flavorful soup, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
• 1 potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 turnip, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing, peeling, and chopping all your root vegetables into small, even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and enhances the texture of your soup.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Root Vegetables

Next, add the diced carrots, parsnips, potato, and turnip to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for around 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step intensifies the flavors and gives a lovely base to your soup.

4. Pour in the Broth

Once the vegetables are slightly softened, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Make sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot, as they add extra flavor to your soup.

5. Season and Simmer

Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 30–40 minutes, or until all the root vegetables are tender.

6. Final Touches

Once the vegetables are cooked through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This French soup with root vegetables pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender. Alternatively, add a splash of cream or a dollop of yogurt before serving for an extra rich flavor. Feel free to experiment with other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or rutabagas to customize your soup!

By following these simple steps, you'll have a delicious and nutritious French soup that showcases the beauty of root vegetables. This dish is perfect for chilly days and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!