This fall vegetable soup is made by roasting seasonal root vegetables like kohlrabi, parsnips, and turnips, then blending them into a smooth, hearty puree. The soup has a warm, earthy aroma with a velvety texture and a rich, comforting final appearance. It highlights the natural flavors of humble seasonal produce through gentle simmering and pureeing techniques.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread peeled and chopped root vegetables and whole garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat, and roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until tender and caramelized, filling your kitchen with a warm, earthy aroma.
While the vegetables roast, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped thyme and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat.
Once the roasted vegetables are cool enough to handle, transfer them to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Puree until smooth and creamy, creating a velvety texture that coats the back of a spoon.
Return the pureed soup to the pot if needed, and stir in a splash of heavy cream for extra richness. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Warm through for another few minutes until heated evenly.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle into bowls, garnish with a sprig of thyme if desired, and serve hot for a cozy, comforting meal.
Notes
For an extra velvety texture, pass the soup through a fine sieve after blending. Feel free to top with toasted breadcrumbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added presentation.