Pureed Parsnip and Butternut Soup

I wanted to create a super-simple, family-friendly recipe using parsnips, so I came up with this soup.  After the work of cutting the vegetables is done, it is pretty much hands-off.

Pureed Parsnip and Butternut Soup

3 cups chicken broth
1/2 lb butternut squash (or any other kind of winter squash that you like) peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes, (about 2 cups)
1/2 lb parsnips, cut into 1/2" pieces (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 minced garlic clove
1 T grated fresh ginger*
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup cream (optional)

Place all the ingredients except cream in a large pot.  Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are fork tender.
Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
After ladling the soup into bowls, pour 2 T. cream over the top of each bowl and gently swirl it in. Top with grated cheese and minced parsley. It’s also good with a dollop of sour cream or herb pesto.

Yields about 4 1/2 cups soup.

*Want to know my trick for always having fresh ginger on hand and ready to use? See my ginger trick here.

Here are the vegetables cut up and ready to simmer.