Winter vegetable soup

Winter vegetable soup

30 min
When winter’s chill sets in, a steaming bowl of our easy winter vegetable soup is true comfort. It highlights the season’s finest root vegetables paired with the savoury richness of crispy bacon. Crème fraiche creates a velvety texture, while fresh herbs and garlic offer a warming flavour. It is the perfect choice for cosy winter evenings with bread on the side and family or friends around the table.
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https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/winter-vegetable-soup/

Instructions

  • Peel potatoes and root vegetables and cut them into small pieces.
  • Put vegetables and onions in a blender or food processor and blend for about 10 seconds.
  • Bring water and stock to a boil and add half of the blended vegetables. Cook them over medium heat and under the lid for about 5 minutes.
  • Put the soup back in the blender and blend it at the fastest speed for about 30 seconds or until the soup is smooth. Only fill the blender jar halfway.
  • Stir the crème fraiche with the flour until smooth.
  • Put the soup back in the pot together with the rest of the vegetables, crème fraiche mixture, and herbs. Bring the soup to a boil and cook it over medium heat while stirring for about 5 minutes.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
To serve
  • Put bacon and garlic in a cold pan. Turn up to high heat and let the bacon fry for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Turn down to medium heat and let the bacon fry for about 8 minutes or until it is crispy and golden. Let the bacon drain on absorbent paper.
  • Serve the soup immediately with bacon sprinkles and fresh herbs on top and bread on the side.
Enjoy!
Explore seasonal variety with different root vegetables

While classic root vegetables such as potatoes, celeriac, carrots, and parsnips create a robust foundation, you can easily use other winter favourites. Try adding swede or turnips for sweet, tart, and earthy notes, or experiment with cauliflower, butternut squash, or pumpkin for added sweetness. Each vegetable brings its own texture and taste, making the soup richer and more complex with every change. Use what is available to make a vibrant and delicious winter meal.

Blend for a smooth texture

Blend the cooked vegetables thoroughly to create a creamy, smooth consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, only purée a portion of the vegetables, leaving the rest chunky for added bite. An immersion blender can help you control the texture directly in the pot, making it easier to adjust the thickness.

FAQ: Questions about winter vegetable soup

Curious about how to make the best of your winter vegetable soup? Here, we address some of the most common questions to ensure your soup experience is as smooth as possible. Keep reading below!

Can I prepare winter vegetable soup in advance?
Yes, preparing the soup ahead of time is a great idea. Store it in the fridge or freezer for up to 5 days or up to 6 months, respectively. It is best to store it without bacon topping and herbs. When you are ready to serve it, gently reheat it on the stove or in a microwave, stirring occasionally.
How long can I store the winter vegetable soup?
You can store the soup in the fridge for up to 5 days. To keep it fresh, make sure it is sealed tightly in an airtight container. If you wish to store it for a longer period, the soup can be frozen. When reheating, do so slowly to maintain the smooth texture and flavour. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding a little stock or water while warming it up.
Can I freeze the winter vegetable soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! After cooking, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will stay good for up to 6 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. As it reheats, you can add a bit of stock or water to return it to your preferred consistency, ensuring it is as tasty as the day you made it.

Ingredients

Root vegetables, for example, potatoes, celeriac, carrot, and parsnip
1 kilo
Onion, chopped (about 75 g)
1
Water
1 l
Concentrated chicken stock
2 tbsp
Creme fraiche
200 ml
Wheat flour
1 tbsp
Herbs, chopped, for example, thyme, rosemary, and chives
100 ml
Coarse salt
½ tsp
Freshly ground pepper
Garnish
Bacon, in small cubes
150 g
Garlic cloves, finely chopped
2
Fresh herbs, chopped
To serve
Wholemeal bread
300 g
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Welcome the cold with an easy winter vegetable soup

This winter vegetable soup is a wonderful way to embrace winter’s chill. It showcases the best seasonal ingredients while offering comfort and warmth. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry essentials and fresh vegetables, you can create a hearty meal that warms the soul.

Root vegetables like celeriac, parsnips, and potatoes blend beautifully with savoury bacon and aromatic herbs. Thanks to the addition of crème fraiche, every spoonful delivers a velvety richness, making it an ideal dish for cold nights. Serve the soup with wholemeal bread for a satisfying meal that is simple yet full of flavour.

Mixed root vegetables with crème fraiche

The combination of root vegetables − potatoes, celeriac, carrots, and parsnips − each offer earthy, sweet, and hearty flavours. Potatoes offer a subtle creaminess, while celeriac adds a hint of nutty warmth, and carrots provide a gentle sweetness that balances the heartier notes of parsnips. The crème fraiche adds a luscious, smooth texture and a slight tang that lifts the overall flavours, giving the soup a refined richness without overwhelming the natural taste of the vegetables.

Crowning touch with crispy bacon and fresh herbs

The final touch comes in the form of crispy bacon and fresh herbs. The bacon adds a crunchy, savoury finish that makes every spoonful more exciting, while the herbs bring a vibrant, fresh note. Fry the bacon until it is golden and crisp, the best texture for topping a creamy soup. Scatter the crispy bacon on top just before serving. The delicate sprinkle of fresh green herbs adds a bit of colour and a refreshing, aromatic finish that makes the whole soup even tastier.

An easy recipe to see you through chilly winter months

This recipe yields an easy, flavourful soup that you will want to make time and time again. Fresh, seasonal ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a satisfying and heart-warming soup. Root vegetables, tangy crème fraiche, smoky bacon, and aromatic herbs form a solid base, and as it simmers, the flavours develop, filling your home with the cosy aroma of winter’s best ingredients. Whether served on its own or with rustic bread, this recipe is the perfect companion for those chilly days when you need something warm and delicious.

Try some of our other warming soups, such as roasted pumpkin soup, spicy lentil soup, carrot and ginger soup, goulash soup, or taco soup.

Experiment with the recipe

Our winter vegetable soup offers endless possibilities for experimentation. For a twist, try incorporating kale or leeks to introduce a fresh, slightly bitter note that complements the root vegetables. If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of smoked paprika or turmeric.

For added texture, toss in some pearl barley or lentils, which will thicken the soup and provide a satisfying bite. You could also stir in a swirl of pesto or even a spoonful of yoghurt for a fresh, creamy finish. Do not hesitate to experiment with herbs like sage, or try adding a hint of ginger to warm up those chilly winter days.

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