Winter cream soup

[anka911]

When the days are getting cooler and shorter we tend to turn to comfort food for that little extra warmth and coziness. Although associated with less healthy ingredient, comfort food can be filling and yet good not only for the soul but for you health Try this creamy soup next time you are in a mood for something warm. It uses beans and potatoes for the creamy texture along with the seasonal root vegetables. And it is a breeze to make.

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut in big cubes
3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
6-8 cup of vegetable broth
1 can of white beans, rinsed
4 tablespoon minced fresh dill, divided. More for serving
½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
½ cup vegan cheese (optional) could be substituted with soy milk and 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast.
2 tablespoon simulated bacon bits (optional) for serving

blender
soup pot


- In a big soup pot heat oil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, add onions, and caramelize until rich copper-brown, mixing to avoid burning.
- Add celery and parsnips and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add potatoes and 6 cups of broth; bring to boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer with a lid on for 10 minutes. Add beans and 2 tablespoons of dill and simmer for another 5-10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the remaining dill and puree soup in batches in the blender or food processor. The secret to this soup is to blend it thoroughly into smooth creamy mix.
- Transfer the soup back to the pot, add liquid smoke, and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust for seasoning and add more broth if desired. Reheat the soup, mix in grated cheese before turning of the heat.
- Serve decorated with dill springs and sprinkle with simulated bacon bits.

The recipe comes from PassiFlora - a new online magazine dedicated to green living, veg*ism, and eco-friendly arts and crafts.