Apple and Parsnip Soup with Thyme is a beautiful harmony of savory and sweet flavors. The earthy, slightly nutty parsnips pair wonderfully with the gentle tart sweetness of apples. Fresh thyme adds herbal warmth, while cream (or coconut milk) makes it velvety smooth.

This dish transforms simple seasonal produce into an elegant soup that feels like it comes straight from a fine bistro kitchen. It’s the perfect autumn and winter comfort food—light yet satisfying, wholesome yet luxurious. Every spoonful reflects the cozy essence of the cold seasons and celebrates nature’s harvest.

Why I Love This Recipe

• It highlights two underrated ingredients—parsnips and apples
• It’s incredibly creamy and silky without needing too much cream
• The flavor is unique and memorable—sweet but balanced
• Ideal for both everyday dinners and holiday entertaining
• It’s completely gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free

This soup is elegance and comfort in one bowl.

Why It’s a Must-Try

• Great nutritional boost: fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
• Impressive “gourmet” flavor with very little effort
• A fun twist from typical potato-based creamy soups
• Meal-prep friendly—freezes and reheats beautifully

Perfect if you want something refreshing, warming, and wholesome!

Recipe Details

Category	Info
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30–35 minutes
Total Time	45–50 minutes
Servings	4 bowls
Calories	~220–260 kcal per serving
Course	Soup
Cuisine	American / European Seasonal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large parsnips, peeled & chopped
• 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled & chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• A drizzle of cream or olive oil
• Crispy parsnip chips

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Method

1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.

2️⃣ Add Parsnips & Apples
Stir in chopped parsnips and apples; cook a few minutes to soften slightly.

3️⃣ Pour in Broth & Season
Add broth and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

4️⃣ Simmer
Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes until parsnips are tender.

5️⃣ Blend to Creamy Texture
Use an immersion blender (or regular blender in batches) to purée until smooth.

6️⃣ Add Cream & Adjust Flavor
Stir in cream/coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper.

7️⃣ Serve Hot
Garnish with fresh thyme or nuts for a lovely crunch.

How to Serve

• With warm baguette or sourdough slices
• As a gourmet starter for holiday dinners
• With a small salad for a light lunch
• Decorated with seeds and herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation

This soup pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or seasonal vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip the apples — they balance parsnip’s earthiness
• If soup thickens while standing → add a splash of broth
• For extra depth, roast parsnips briefly before cooking
• Taste and adjust salt since apples vary in sweetness
• Blend thoroughly for the smoothest texture

Variations to Try

Variation	What to Add / Change
Vegan	Use coconut milk + olive oil
Spicy fall version	Add pinch cayenne or curry powder
Ultra-Rich	Add 1 tbsp butter at the end
Herb Twist	Replace thyme with sage or rosemary
Apple Forward	Use sweeter apples + extra ½ apple
Peel-free Rustic	Keep peels on if blending very smooth

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerate	4 days	Airtight container; reheat gently
Freeze	2–3 months	Freeze before adding cream if possible

Special Equipment Needed

• Blender or immersion blender
• Large soup pot
• Cutting board + sharp knife

FAQ

Q: Can I use pears instead of apples?
Yes! Pears pair great with parsnips—just choose firm ones.

Q: Can I make it lower fat?
Replace cream with extra broth or unsweetened almond milk.

Q: Can I roast the parsnips first?
Definitely—adds caramel richness!

Q: Do I need to peel parsnips?
Recommended, as skins can be fibrous.

Conclusion

Apple and Parsnip Soup with Thyme is a perfectly balanced blend of comfort and sophistication. It’s a joyful way to enjoy seasonal root vegetables and apples in a warming, silky bowl that will brighten even the coldest day. Easy to prepare yet deeply flavorful, this soup belongs in your fall and winter recipe rotation.