This is a great basic recipe that allows for interchangeable veggies. You can use any combination of root veggies, including rutabagas, turnips, or different potatoes. The cream adds a nice richness and velvety texture, but you can get a similar effect without the cream if you use a rich, creamy potato like a yellow finn or German butterball. And when it’s available, spring green garlic is a great substitute for the regular garlic for an added burst of flavor.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes about 8 cups
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
In a soup pot or large Dutch oven, heat the butter and oil over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the potatoes, parsnips, celery root, and garlic, cover the pot, and stir occasionally until the veggies are heated through and softening a bit on the edges, about 10 minutes. Add the mustard, thyme, and bay leaf and continue to cook for 2 more minutes, or until aromatic. Add the wine and cook until the liquid has completely evaporated, about 1 minute.
Step 2
Add the broth and water, cover the pot partially, and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring just to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Continue to cook, partially covered, until the vegetables are completely soft and have started to break down a bit, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 3
To finish the soup, remove and discard the thyme stems and bay leaf and, working in batches, carefully puree the soup in a blender (or use an immersion blender). If you prefer a thinner soup, add a little more water to adjust the thickness.
Step 4
Stir in the cream and the lemon juice and taste. Adjust with more lemon juice or salt as needed and reheat as necessary.
tip
Step 5
This soup is wonderful garnished with fresh croutons sautéed in butter and some chopped chives.
