Creamy Carrot and Parsnip Soup Recipe
Introduction
This comforting carrot and parsnip soup is a perfect blend of sweet root vegetables and fragrant herbs, delivering a creamy and soothing dish. It’s simple to prepare and makes a great starter or light meal on chilly days.

Ingredients
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ small bunch thyme, leaves picked
- 3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 large parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 100ml double cream
- ¼ bunch parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery, frying gently for about 10 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally and add a small splash of water if the vegetables begin to catch.
- Step 2: Stir in the crushed garlic, thyme leaves, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes to release the flavors.
- Step 3: Add the chopped carrots and parsnips to the pan, then pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Use a stick blender to blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the double cream and blend briefly again to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 6: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer soup, replace the double cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cumin for a warm spice twist.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some cooked vegetables before blending and stir them back in at the end.
Storage
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, chicken stock can be used if you prefer a non-vegetarian version. It will add a different depth of flavor but works well with the root vegetables.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Absolutely. Simply omit the double cream or substitute it with a plant-based cream or coconut milk to keep the soup creamy and vegan-friendly.
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Creamy Carrot and Parsnip Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Carrot & Parsnip Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish made from sautéed onions, celery, carrots, and parsnips, simmered in vegetable stock and blended to a smooth, velvety texture with a touch of double cream. It’s perfect for a cozy meal and garnished with fresh parsley for added freshness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 large parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ small bunch thyme, leaves picked
- ¼ bunch parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Cooking Essentials
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 100ml double cream
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and celery, frying for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally until softened but not browned. If the mixture begins to stick or catch on the pan, add a small splash of water to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the crushed garlic, thyme leaves, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes to release the flavors, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.
- Add root vegetables and stock: Add the roughly chopped carrots and parsnips to the pan, then pour in the vegetable stock. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer until tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover partially. Let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend soup smooth: Use a stick blender directly in the pan to blend the soup until completely smooth. Take care while blending hot liquids.
- Add cream and finish blending: Pour in the 100ml of double cream and blitz again briefly until the soup is fully combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and scatter finely chopped parsley on top if using for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute double cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add some extra vegetable stock or water when blending.
- Thyme can be replaced with rosemary or sage for a different herbal flavor.
- This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freezes nicely.
- For added protein, stir in cooked lentils or white beans before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: carrot soup, parsnip soup, creamy vegetable soup, vegetarian soup, healthy winter soup

