Creamy Parsnip and Rosemary Soup

A warming, creamy soup perfect for the winter months. Top with parsnip crisps for added fun and jazz. The parsnip crisps are so good there is no need to only make with this soup - feel free to enjoy them anytime you have a parnsip in your Lee Greens veg bag.

Serves 4-6, yields 2 litres.

Ingredients:
750g Parsnips, peeled, large dice + 1 reserved for garnish
2 onions, finely diced
1 celery rib, finely diced
A few sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely diced 
1 litre hot vegetable stock
250mls almond milk
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
Olive oil 
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Pre heat oven to 180 C (fan). Peel and chop the parsnips, toss in olive oil and salt and roast in oven for 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile heat the oil in a large pan. Over a medium heat cook the onions and celery for 10 minutes until softened, and pinch salt and rosemary and cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. When the parsnip is ready add in to the pan, along with the stock and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat, allow to cool for a few minutes then pour into a jug blender or blitz with a hand blender till silky smooth. Add the almond milk and blend again. Taste and if needs brightening add lemon juice, pinch salt and some fresh black pepper. Return to the heat and keep warm until ready to serve.
5. To make the garnish, using a peeler create some long thin strips of parsnip. Place on a lined baking tray and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Roast in the oven for 5 minutes at 180 C (fan), turning half way.
6. To serve spoon the soup into bowls and dot with extra-virgin olive oil, and top with the crispy parsnip strips.

Recipe by Ceri Jones