Pear and Parsnip Soup

Easy Parsnip Soup in a white bowl on a wooden table surrounded by pears and pistachios.

5 from 2 votes

This Pear and Parsnip Soup is a smooth, creamy bowl of comfort. It's so easy to make and it's dairy-free, vegan, Paleo and Whole30 friendly.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 266kcal

Author: Don Baiocchi

Ingredients

1 medium yellow onion peeled and chopped
2-2½ lbs. parsnips peeled, ends trimmed, chopped
2 pears (such as Bosc or Bartlett) peeled (if desired), cored, chopped
½ cup shelled pistachios
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (use veggie broth for vegan option)
½ teaspoon cayenne (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, add the onion, parsnips, pears, pistachios, salt and cayenne, if using (it adds a wonderful warmth in the back of your throat but feel free to reduce the amount or omit altogether).
Add the chicken broth and 1½ cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a medium simmer (not too angry, not too chill), and let it bubble away for 20 minutes, by which time the pistachios should be soft enough to blend.
Blend with a stick blender (see notes for regular blender instructions). Taste to adjust the seasoning. If it's too thick, add more water, if it's too thin, simmer again to reduce and thicken.

Notes

If you're blending it with a blender, add the soup to the blender jar until no more than halfway full. Remove the insert from the lid, cover the opening with a towel, and blend the soup until smooth (careful, hot liquids expand when you turn it on). Pour into a bowl and repeat until all the soup is blended.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

This soup freezes well. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Substitutions

You can use apples instead of pears. I recommend Granny Smith.

You can omit the pistachios or use cashews instead - they also add creaminess when blended

You can first saute the chopped onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until soft and translucent. Then add the other ingredients and proceed with the recipe.

You can serve this soup as shooters in shot glasses for parties. Top with some crushed pistachios or finely chopped fresh thyme.

Nutrition