Gingered Parsnip Bisque
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 1/2 cups chopped leeks
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 large shallots, minced
- 3 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 1/2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 1/2 pounds parsnips, peeled, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)
Directions
Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add next 5 ingredients and sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth and parsnips; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until parsnips are tender, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly.
Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Strain into another large pot; discard solids in strainer. Whisk in half and half. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.) Simmer soup over medium heat until heated through, about 10 minutes. Season soup with salt and pepper.
Bon Appétit | February 2001