Mary Berry’s parsnip soup is a comforting dish that is perfect for cold days or as a refined starter. Its delicious flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite among soup lovers all over the world.

You don’t need anything fancy to make Mary Berry’s parsnip soup — you likely have all the ingredients you need in your pantry. The recipe combines the subtle sweetness of parsnips with a hint of spice. Whether you’re a long-time fan of parsnips or trying them for the first time, this soup is an easy, delicious way to enjoy them.

Quick Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6

Ingredients

To make Mary Berry’s Parsnip Soup, you will need:

225g (8 oz) parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1.2 liters (2 pints) vegetable stock
150ml (5 fl oz) heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

Time needed: 45 minutes

Steps to Make Mary Berry Parsnip Soup

Prep Your Vegetables
Begin by washing, peeling, and roughly chopping the parsnips, along with any other vegetables you plan to include, such as onions or leeks.
Sauté the Base
In a large pot, melt a knob of butter or a splash of oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onions or leeks and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, adding a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture.
Cook the Parsnips
To the pot, add the chopped parsnips, stirring them with the softened onions or leeks. Cook for a couple of minutes, just to start softening the parsnips and coating them in the butter or oil.
Add Liquid
Pour in vegetable or chicken stock until the vegetables are covered. You can adjust the amount of liquid depending on how thick or thin you prefer your soup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer.
Simmer
Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes or until the parsnips are completely soft. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the parsnips will break down, making the soup naturally thicker.
Blend the Soup
Once the parsnips are soft, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until smooth. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a few croutons for added texture.

Why You’ll Love Mary Berry Parsnip Soup Recipe

Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

Simple to Prepare. This soup comes together with minimal fuss. Chopping, sautéing, simmering, and blending are the basic steps to a delicious meal.
Comfort in a Bowl. With its creamy texture and sweet, earthy flavor, this soup is like a warm hug. It’s ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting meal.
Versatile. It’s perfect as a starter for a dinner party or as the main course for a simple family meal. You can also customize it with your favorite toppings.
Crowd-Pleaser. Its unique flavor profile, different from the usual vegetable soups, is sure to impress guests and satisfy family members alike.

Also Try: Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Variation and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option

Swap the butter for olive oil to sauté the vegetables, and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream for blending, to keep the soup dairy-free yet still creamy.

Vegan Variation

Make this soup vegan by using only oil for sautéing, vegetable stock as the base, and a dairy-free cream alternative for serving. Ensure any toppings or sides are also vegan.

Spice It Up

Add a teaspoon of curry powder or cumin to the onions while sautéing for a soup with a bit more heat and depth of flavor.

Root Vegetable Variety

Mix in other root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or turnips with the parsnips for a more complex flavor profile.

Low-Carb Alternative

For a lower-carb version, reduce the number of parsnips and add in some cauliflower. It will still blend up nicely and give you a creamy texture.

Toppings and Garnishes

Experiment with different toppings like roasted parsnip chips, a swirl of olive oil, fresh herbs, or toasted nuts and seeds for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

Crusty Bread or Rolls. Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. The texture contrast between the creamy soup and the bread is always a hit.
Green Salad. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup. Include crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing to balance the flavors.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich. For a heartier meal, pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The gooey, melted cheese and crispy bread make for a comforting combination.
Roasted Vegetables. Offer a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or beets. Their caramelized edges and earthy flavors match well with the soup.
White Wine. Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to accompany the meal. The acidity and freshness of the wine can cut through the creaminess of the soup.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Parsnip Soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal. Its creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a wonderful choice for any occasion, from a cozy night to an elegant dinner with friends. This soup invites you to enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade cooking.

Plus, it’s straightforward, relies on readily available ingredients, and always results in a satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main, this soup promises to warm hearts and please palates.