Warm Up with a Deliciously Spicy Parsnip Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup to lift your spirits and satisfy your hunger. This Parsnip soup is a fantastic choice because it’s creamy, and spicy to warm you up this winter season. I’m excited to share my favorite spicy parsnip soup recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

Creamy spicy parsnip soup garnished with fresh herbs

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound parsnips, peeled and chopped

• 1-2 Leeks, cleaned and diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 small potatoes chopped

• 1 red chili pepper

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

  
  

These ingredients come together to create a soup that balances sweetness from the parsnips with a smoky, spicy warmth.

How to Prepare Spicy Parsnip Soup

Follow these simple steps to make your soup:

1. Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced leeks and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add chopped chili pepper and garlic.

2. Cook the vegetables

Add the chopped parsnips and carrot to the pot let cook for 3-5 minutes.

3. Add spices

   Add Smoke paprika, salt and pepper. You can also add cumin, curry powder, or any other spices you enjoy and let bloom for about 1 minute

4. Add stock to cover

   Add enough stock to cover veggies and bring to a boil then let simmer until potatoes and parsnips are fork tender.

5. Blend the soup

Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Puree until smooth and creamy. Return the soup to the pot.

6. Add creaminess and seasoning

Stir in a slash of heavy cream. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Warm the soup gently without boiling.

7. Serve and garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley for a bright finish.

Tips for the Best Spicy Parsnip Soup

• Adjust the heat by adding more or less of the chili pepper depending on your preference.

• Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact. Smoked paprika and other spices lose potency over time.

• Try different garnishes like a dollop of yogurt, toasted pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for extra texture and flavor.

• Make it vegan by using coconut milk and vegetable broth, avoiding dairy cream.

  
  

Spicy parsnip soup served with crusty bread on a rustic wooden table

This soup is perfect for a cozy lunch or a light dinner. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad.