Imagine bowlfuls of comforting, velvety goodness packed with vibrant, earthy flavors — that’s what the Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe is all about. It’s the perfect hug-in-a-bowl, combining simple root vegetables with warm spices and creamy richness that feels like an instant cozy escape on a chilly day.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This soup has a special place in my kitchen and heart. It’s the kind of dish you can make when you want wholesome nourishment without fuss, and it always comes out with that rich, layered flavor you’d expect from a much fancier meal. Plus, those roots have a way of bringing this warm, rustic charm right to your table.
- Simple, honest ingredients: It’s mostly humble root vegetables that you probably already have or can find easily at the market.
- Rich flavor without the stock: The curry powder and herbs add just enough punch so it’s never bland or boring.
- Creamy texture without heavy cream overload: The balance of cream and starchy roots makes the soup satisfyingly smooth.
- Super versatile: Swap vegetables, adjust seasoning, and add your own twist—no rigid rules here.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe is really a celebration of how simple veggies come alive together. The sweetness of carrots and sweet potato softens the earthiness of parsnip and celeriac, while the potato adds body and creaminess. Each ingredient is like a supporting actor, making the whole stage shine.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps caramelize the onions beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Gives that silky mouthfeel and deepens flavor without overpowering.
- Onion: Caramelizing just a bit softens the sharpness and sets a subtle savory base.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and enhances the savory profile.
- Curry powder: Pinky promise, this is the magic touch that adds depth—not heat—without needing stock.
- Dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, it pairs perfectly with root veggies.
- Water: Keeps it light and honest; no fancy broth needed.
- Cooking salt/kosher salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors. Adjust to taste.
- Black pepper: Simple spice to add a little kick.
- Thickened cream: Rounds out the soup’s texture with indulgent silkiness.
- Root vegetables: Potato, sweet potato, carrot, parsnip, celeriac; all peeled and chopped into even pieces for a smooth cook.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe is how flexible it is. I like to tweak it depending on what’s in season or what’s lurking in my pantry. You really can’t go wrong—so let your creativity roam!
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap celeriac for swede or add a handful of diced pumpkin when I want it a little sweeter or heartier. It never disappoints!
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream or a nut milk blend instead of thickened cream for a different but equally luscious finish.
- Herb swap: If you don’t have thyme, Italian seasoning or dried oregano works beautifully.
- Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes can give the soup a warm, smoky edge.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Start with a Flavorful Sauté
Heat your olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the two meld together, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté gently for about 2 minutes until the onion softens but doesn’t brown—that sweet, translucent stage is your flavor foundation.
Step 2: Add Root Vegetables and Spices
Next, in go your chopped root vegetables—potato, sweet potato, carrot, parsnip, and celeriac—along with the dried thyme and curry powder. Stir well and cook for 3 minutes, letting the edges of the veggies soften and pick up some flavor. Don’t rush this step; it makes a difference.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Turn the heat up to high and pour in 1 ½ liters (about 6 cups) of water. Season with the cooking salt and black pepper and stir. When the water reaches a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to medium-high and let it bubble away, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. The goal? Fork-tender vegetables that your knife slides through without resistance.
Step 4: Creamy Finish
Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the thickened cream and let the soup simmer for another minute to let all those flavors marry together. This small addition transforms the soup into something luxurious and silky.
Step 5: Blitz to Perfection
Remove the pot from heat and use a stick blender to purée the soup in batches. Just a quick tip: remove the blender lid insert and cover the hole with a folded tea towel to avoid splatters. Blend until smooth and silky. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up, and then adjust salt, pepper, and cream to your liking.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that make this Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe really stand out. Here’s what helps me every time I make it, and I hope it helps you too.
- Even veggie cuts: Cutting all the root veggies into similar-sized pieces ensures even cooking so no one stays crunchy or gets mushy.
- Curry powder choice: Using a mild, pre-made curry powder keeps things simple and approachable—no need to get complicated with blends.
- Blending technique: When blitzing hot soup, I always cover the blender hole with a folded towel to avoid messy splashes and burns.
- Adjusting consistency: Don’t be shy about adding water in small increments to thin the soup or extra cream to boost creaminess.
How to Serve Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love swirling in an extra drizzle of cream right before serving—it gives a pretty, glossy finish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green. And just for a little warmth, I add a fine pinch of curry powder and black pepper on top. Simple, but it takes the presentation (and flavor) up a notch.
Side Dishes
Warm crusty bread is a must-have with this soup—you can tuck the slices beside your bowl or use them for dipping. I often serve it with a crunchy green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance out the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I like to serve this soup in rustic bread bowls—it feels sumptuous and makes the meal extra memorable. Or garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of herb pesto for an unexpected twist that my guests always comment on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, tightly covered in an airtight container. The flavors actually tend to meld and deepen overnight, so if anything, the next day’s soup tastes even better.
Freezing
I often freeze portions of this soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for quick meals later. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing. It freezes well for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much, I just add a splash of water or cream to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Just swap the butter for vegan margarine or oil and replace the cream with coconut cream or any plant-based milk. The flavors will remain hearty and comforting.
Peeling ensures a smoother texture and removes any dirt or bitterness, especially for celeriac and parsnip. But if you prefer more texture and rusticity, you can leave skins on well-scrubbed potatoes and carrots.
You can, though I find the curry powder and the root vegetables give enough flavor that water works just fine and keeps it light. Using stock will make it richer, which you might prefer for a heartier soup.
Using a stick blender in batches is easiest and safest. Remove the blender lid insert and cover the hole with a folded towel to prevent splatters. If you don’t have a stick blender, a regular blender works too, but be sure to cool the soup slightly before blending to avoid accidents.
Final Thoughts
This Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe is one of those dishes I return to again and again, especially when days get cooler and the kitchen calls for something warm and uncomplicated. It’s heartening, easy to prepare, and feels like a true taste of home. Give it a try—you’ll probably find it as comfortingly delicious and forgiving as I do.
Print
Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy country harvest root vegetable soup made with a medley of root vegetables, aromatic spices, and finished with cream. Perfect for cozy meals, this soup highlights the natural sweetness and earthiness of potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and celeriac, gently spiced with curry powder and thyme.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
- 1 onion, chopped into large dice
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Liquids
- 1 ½ litre (6 cups) water
- 2 teaspoon cooking salt/kosher salt (halve for table salt)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup thickened cream (heavy cream or regular), plus extra for garnish
Root Vegetables
- 1 large potato (~300g/10oz), peeled, cut into 2.5cm/1" cubes
- 1 medium sweet potato (350g/12oz), peeled, cut into 2.5cm/1" cubes
- 2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into 1.5cm/0.5" pieces
- 1 small/medium parsnip (150g/5oz), peeled, cut into 1.5cm/0.5" pieces
- 1 small celeriac (600g/1.2 lb), peeled, cut into 1.5cm/0.5" pieces (~2 heaped cups)
Serving/Garnish (optional)
- Warm crusty bread
- Parsley, finely chopped
- Pinch extra curry powder
- Pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté: Put the olive oil and butter in a large heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, cook the onion and garlic for 2 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the root vegetables, dried thyme leaves, and curry powder. Cook, stirring regularly, for 3 minutes until the outside of the vegetables starts to soften.
- Simmer: Turn the stove up to high and add the water, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, lower the heat to medium-high and simmer rapidly without a lid for 15 minutes until all the vegetables are soft (check with a knife).
- Add Cream and Heat: Stir in the thickened cream and simmer for 1 minute to incorporate the cream and warm through.
- Blend: Remove the pot from heat. Use a stick blender to blitz the soup in batches until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with water if needed and season with extra salt and pepper to taste. Add extra cream for a richer finish if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle with additional cream and sprinkle with a pinch of curry powder, finely chopped parsley, and black pepper. Serve with warm crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- Use regular grocery store Western-style curry powder for mild spice and aroma without overpowering the root vegetables.
- Substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme leaves, dried oregano, Italian herb mix, or herbes de Provence for varied flavor profiles.
- The cream provides a smooth mouthfeel; for a lighter version, substitute with ⅓ cup milk plus 2 tablespoon (30g) unsalted butter.
- Feel free to swap or increase root vegetables like pumpkin, swedes, or turnips, keeping in mind that parsnip and celeriac have stronger flavors.
- When blending, do it in batches. Remove the lid insert from the blender, cover the hole with a folded tea towel to avoid splatters, and blend until smooth.
- Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350 ml)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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