Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Honeycrisp Apple + Parsnip Soup

Parsnips look like pale carrots, something Bunnicula got ahold of and completely drained of color. They have a spicy bite of flavor and taste earthy and bright, a little bit like mild horseradish. Parsnips have started showing up more and more this fall, and I had heard they're great with apples. (In the recipe, I found a use for the Honeycrisp apples that are out now. I figured there must be something great about an apple harvest that calls for a giant banner and so much in-store signage excitement.)

Apple-Parsnip Soup

1 white onion (diced)
a knob of butter
1 cup sparkling wine
2 large parsnips (peeled & roughly chopped)
2 large Honeycrisp apples (peeled & roughly chopped)
1 white sweet potato (peeled & roughly chopped)
1 tsp. rubbed sage
1 cup half-and-half
water
sea salt
green onions and white cheddar

Sauté onions in butter until translucent, and then add wine. Allow the mixture to reduce, and then add parsnip, potato, apple, and sage to the mixture. Add a pinch of salt. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until vegetables have softened and have taken on a slight color. Reduce heat and add half-and-half. Do not allow soup to boil after adding the cream as it could curdle. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture smooth. Add enough water to achieve the consistency you desire. Garnish with sliced green onion and shredded white cheddar.

9 comments:

Bianca said...

This sounds amazing! I can't wait until G3 is old enough for me to read Bunnicula to him.

Ali - YumVeggieBurger said...

YUM! I love parsnips... they are so underrated, too.

Thanks for reminding me of Bunnicula! Wow, what a blast from that past... :)

Anonymous said...

NicE!!!! yum yum

Dionne said...

Honeycrisp apples are my FAVORITE but damn they are expensive! I had my first of the season yesterday. :)

Lisa Febre said...

Parsnips are delicious! And, obviously this recipe is easily made vegan.

Thanks for sharing - can't wait to try it.

"The Valley Vegan"
http://thevalleyvegan.blogspot.com

Jenn said...

yum, honey crisp apples. i worked at a cider mill so i'm a bit of a cider and apple snob and i think honey crisps are the best apple... ever... yum. it is basically everything an apple should be and the opposite of everything an apple shouldn't be.

Andy said...

What apples would make a good substitute for the honeycrisp? I'm eager to try out this recipe but want to use something that grows in BC.

The Chubby Vegetarian said...

Use something on the sweet side with a smooth, crunchy texture like a pink lady.

Renee said...

I just found your website. I made this tonight and it was delish!! Can't wait to try more of your recipes!