Curried Parsnip, Leek and Lentil Soup

This is a real hearty seasonal soup. My organic veg box was delivered this morning (Fri) and seeing the earthy parsnips just made me smile because I only live 15km from where they were pulled from the ground! #buylocalproduce Parsnips and leeks are at their very best in autumn.

Leeks and parsnips are two of my favourite vegetables. I usually keep the flavours simple but couldn’t resist adding lentils and curry to make this soup a substantial meal.

The best part of this soup is that it only has a handful of ingredients, make it as spicy as you like and serve it with big generous chunks of organic sourdough bread.

Lou 🙂

Ingredients:

• 700g parsnips
• 2 small leeks (or one large)
• 3-4 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• good pinch salt and pepper
• 1.5 litres water or stock
• 400g tin lentils
• 1 tablespoon oil

Method

1. Grab a wide pot with a lid.
2. Scrub and dice the parsnips. Theres no need to peel them when they are organic, just wash them well.
3. Wash the leeks, cut the root off and most of the hard green tops. (These can be used for veg stock #zerofoodwaste
4. Slice the leeks finely.
5. Warm the pot on the hob, low to medium heat and add a tablespoon of light oil.
6. Tip in the sliced leeks. Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper and cook down for a few minutes.
7. Add in the curry powder and turmeric and cook to toast and awaken the spices for a minute or two. (Add a splash of water if its catching on the bottom of the pot)
8. Next toss in the diced parsnips and stir them through the leeks.
9. Pour in the water and pop the lid on if you have one.
10. Let the soup simmer on the hob for about 40 minutes, the soup is ready when the parsnips are soft when squished with the back of a wooden spoon.
11. While it’s cooking away. Open the tin of lentils and drain and rinse them.
12. If you like chunky soup just add in the lentils now, but if you like a smoother soup blend first and then add the lentils.
13. Check the seasoning and serve with crusty organic sourdough if you have some.