Slightly sweet, ultimately creamy-dreamy Parsnip Leek Soup generously topped with caramelized brussels sprouts and salty bacon. This healthy soup is cozy, comforting and ultimately delicious!
I hate that it has been, what seems like, 5 seconds and I am again grieving a huge loss.
Past a certain age, I think we all come to terms with the fact that the world is full of hurt, sadness and loss. And, that we cannot walk on the path of life without being tainted with those emotions and experiences. Not to be cynical, but death is a part of life. In my opinion, it is how we cherish and remember the ones who are no longer physically with us that matters.
It is with a heavy heart that I tell you I lost my grandmother on Friday.
My grandmother was the matriarch of our family. The image of her in an apron, with perfectly curled hair, pulling pies and elegant roasts out of the oven is how I will always remember her.
But, she was more than that “image”. She had a quiet strength to be admired, a warmth that could comfort you on your darkest day, and a beauty that was both effortless and timeless. (<– I am extremely honored people say I look like her, however I am preeeeetty sure they are just being nice, because in no way am I a Grace Kelly Dorothy Williams)
She was all around beautiful and the type of woman you strive to be. I may be too old to play the game, “When I grow up…”, but if I become half the lady my grandmother was, I feel like I can say I made it in this life.
So Dotti, this post is dedicated to you. I’m sure you would have made this dish better, but every moment I spend in the kitchen, I will be reminded of you.
“Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again”
Parsnip Leek Soup
This soup is slightly sweet, perfectly creamy, ultimately comforting and healthy. It delivers a false sense of decadence, because while it is silky and rich, it is also good for your waist line (and for your soul).
I’m not sure about you, but anytime I can feel like I’m indulging in something delicious while still fitting in my skinny jeans is always #winning.
If you have veggie haters up in your house, I urge you to force feed them this soup. It tastes like a subtly sweeter and thinner version of a big ‘ole bowl of mashed potaters. You could always hoard save the brussels sprouts for yourself and double up on the bacon.
Promise you are going to love this! Until next time – Cheers, friends, to living life to the fullest… and devouring lots of soup in the process.
XOXO
Cheyanne
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The best Parsnip Leek Soup recipe👇
Parsnip & Leek Soup topped with roasted brussels sprouts & salty, crisp bacon. This soup is cozy, creamy and dreamy!
- Soup:
- 1 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Pounds Parsnips – trimmed, peeled and cut into 1’’ pieces
- 2 TBS Unsalted Butter
- 2 Large Leeks , white and light green parts – rinsed and roughly chopped
- ¾ Cup Celery – roughly chopped (about 2 stalks)
- 2 Cloves Garlic – roughly chopped
- 6 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock
- 1 Bay Leaf
- ½ Cup Half and Half
- ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- Kosher Salt and Pepper , to taste
- Topping:
- ¼ Pound Center Cut Bacon – sliced into ½’’ pieces
- ½ Pound Brussels Sprouts – trimmed and cut in half or quartered depending on size
- Dash White Wine Vinegar
- Roast the Parsnips: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up. Toss the parsnip with oil in a large mixing bowl and season with ½ teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until parsnips are tender and caramelized. Remove from oven and set aside
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add in the leeks and nutmeg. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until leeks are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add in the celery and continue to saute an additional 3 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add in the roasted parsnips, stock and bay leaf. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf and discard. Use an immersion blender to puree soup to desired consistency. (Alternatively, transfer soup in batches to a stand blender, puree, and transfer soup back to stockpot). Stir in half and half. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
- While the soup simmers, prepare the topping: Place bacon lardons in a large COLD cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is cooked and crispy, about 12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate, reserving drippings in the pan. Add the brussels sprouts to the pan, cut side down. Cook, without moving the sprouts for 3 minutes. Toss and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until sprouts are tender and browned, about an additional 3-4 minutes. Return the bacon to the pan and toss. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper and a white wine vinegar. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- To serve: Ladle pureed soup into serving bowls and top with brussels and bacon. Enjoy!
Cheyanne, you are so strong and brave. To have suffered through these kind of losses back to back and still be viewing life optimistically and with such grace…you should be proud, as I’m sure your grandmother would be! Your grandmother sounds like such a beautiful person, inside and out. I 100% believe your family and friends when they say you remind them of her because you are also a beautiful person both on the inside and outside. I love how creative you are in the kitchen and how you always seem to produce such comforting, delicious meals, including this creamy parsnip leek soup! The fact that it’s yummy AND healthy is totally #winning! Fantastic job, deary! So impressed <3 XOXO
I’m so sorry about your loss, Cheyanne. Losing the ones we love is just the worst. I am so glad you had such an awesome woman in your life as a role model. She sounds wonderful.
This soup looks delicious, by the way…I love how thick and luxurious it is! Pinned :).
I so sorry to hear about your grandmother. She must have been an incredible and wonderful woman and the way you have described her I wish I knew her. I’m sure your grandmother’s spirit lives within you! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!