If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting bowl that feels both nourishing and a little adventurous, I’ve got something just for you. This Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up on a chilly day. It’s velvety, gently spiced, and creamy without being heavy — perfect for warming you from the inside out. I love this because it’s a celebration of simple, earthy root vegetables dressed up with a touch of curry and that luscious swirl of cream. You’re going to want this in your weeknight rotation trust me!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: The curry and cream elevate humble root vegetables into a luxurious soup that feels fancy but is so easy to make.
- Simple, Fresh Ingredients: It uses common pantry staples and fresh veggies — no complicated or expensive ingredients needed.
- Versatile and Flexible: You can swap in whatever root veggies you have on hand and adjust the curry level to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: With quick prep and just one pot, it’s a low fuss recipe that still feels like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic really happens when you combine starchy root vegetables with warming curry and just a hint of cream. Each ingredient brings its own character to this Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe, making it both hearty and harmonious. When picking your vegetables, try to get fresh, firm ones for better texture and flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: I love using this for its fruity flavor and health benefits; it gives a nice base for sautéing without overwhelming the soup.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the onion and garlic soften beautifully without browning too quickly.
- Onion: A large onion thickly diced brings depth and sweetness after cooking gently.
- Garlic cloves: Adds that lovely aroma and subtle bite that works perfectly with curry.
- Curry powder: I prefer mild blends like Clive, but you can go hotter if you like; it’s the star spice that gives this soup its character.
- Dried thyme leaves: A subtle herbaceous note that balances the spice.
- Water: Yes, just plain water – the veggies and spices do the heavy lifting on flavor, so no need for stock here.
- Cooking salt/kosher salt: Adjust depending on your salt type; it seasons beautifully without being salty.
- Black pepper: For a gentle peppery warmth.
- Thickened cream (heavy or regular): This is the little indulgent touch that makes the soup creamy and luscious.
- Potato: Peeled and cubed, the potato adds heartiness and creaminess when blended.
- Sweet potato: Adds natural sweetness and complexity.
- Carrots: Bring earthiness and a dash of bright color.
- Parsnip: Offers a lovely nutty-sweet undertone; don’t skip it if you can!
- Celeriac: This vegetable is a game changer for soup texture – its subtle celery flavor and creaminess when blended are everything.
- Warm crusty bread: Because what soup doesn’t love a good dipper?
- Parsley: Finely chopped, this is my favorite fresh garnish for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pinch of extra curry powder & black pepper: For finishing touches that boost flavor and presentation.
Variations
I love making this Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or pantry. Feel free to experiment — you might discover a new favorite twist!
- Using coconut milk instead of cream: I swapped cream for coconut milk once for a dairy-free version and loved the subtle tropical creaminess it added, pairing beautifully with the curry.
- Adding ginger or turmeric: For extra warmth and health benefits, freshly grated ginger or a pinch of turmeric can brighten the flavor and boost the earthiness.
- Swapping root veggies: If you don’t have celeriac or parsnip, try turnip, rutabaga, or even butternut squash for a slightly different texture and taste profile.
- Make it vegan: Use olive oil only without butter and substitute cream with plant-based cream or coconut milk, and you’re all set.
How to Make Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and just starting to bubble, add your diced onion and garlic. Cook them for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent but not browned. This gentle sweating creates a flavorful foundation without any bitterness—try not to rush this part!
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables with Spices
Next, add all your prepped root vegetables along with the dried thyme and curry powder. Stir to coat everything in the fragrant spices, then cook for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly. You’re looking for the veggies to soften just slightly – the edges start to look a bit translucent or tender, but they shouldn’t be mushy yet. This step toasts the curry slightly, which really boosts its flavor.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Turn your stove up to high and pour in the water, followed by the salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and wait for it to come to a simmer. Once simmering, lower the heat just a notch so it stays at a steady bubble and let it cook, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Test the vegetables with a knife – they should be soft enough to easily pierce through. This is key because it ensures your soup will blend into that perfectly creamy texture.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Blend
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the thickened cream. Let it simmer gently for just a minute to blend the flavors and heat the cream through. Then, remove the pot from heat and grab your stick blender. Carefully blitz the soup until it’s silky smooth — don’t rush! I like to pulse in short bursts and gently stir in between to get an even texture. If the soup is too thick, thin it with a splash more water or cream until it reaches your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and drizzle with a little extra cream for a decadent swirl. Sprinkle a pinch of curry powder, a little freshly ground black pepper, and a handful of finely chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread — seriously, dunking that bread into this soup is one of life’s simple pleasures!
Pro Tips for Making Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: I used to rush to boiling but letting the onions and garlic soften first really deepens the overall flavor.
- Toast Your Curry Powder: Stirring curry powder with the veggies before adding water releases oils that boost the aroma and taste.
- Blend in Batches if Needed: If your pot is large, blend the soup in smaller batches to ensure an ultra-smooth consistency without straining your blender.
- Adjust Thickness Thoughtfully: Add water or cream slowly—too thin, and it loses richness; too thick, and it feels heavy. Find your perfect balance.
How to Serve Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about simple garnishes that lift the bowl visually and flavor-wise. I always add a drizzle of extra cream and a fresh sprinkle of parsley — it brightens the earthy curry beautifully. Sometimes I toss on a pinch of extra curry powder and cracked black pepper right before serving for an inviting aroma and subtle kick. If you like things spicy, a few chili flakes or a swirl of chili oil works wonders too.
Side Dishes
This Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe pairs wonderfully with simply toasted warm crusty bread — my favorite for dunking. You can also serve it alongside a leafy green salad with a zesty lemon dressing to balance richness or some spiced roasted chickpeas for added texture and protein.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for a special occasion, I like to present the soup in rustic ramekins or small cast iron bowls. Add a swirl of cream in a pretty pattern, a fresh herb sprig or edible flowers, and arrange colorful bread slices artistically on the side. A wooden board with small bowls of crunchy seeds or nuts for topping makes the experience extra fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, it tastes just as fresh, especially if you stir in a little extra cream to revive the silky texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes really well — just make sure it’s fully cooled before portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags. I like to freeze in single-serving sizes to make reheating a breeze during busy weeks. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If it feels too thick after refrigeration or thawing, add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up and restore that creamy feel. Avoid microwaving too long in one go to prevent curdling.
FAQs
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Can I make this Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for more olive oil, and replace the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. The curry powder adds plenty of flavor, so it still tastes rich and comforting.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have celeriac?
If you can’t find celeriac, try using turnip or rutabaga, which have a similar firm texture and mild flavor. Butternut squash can also work if you prefer a slightly sweeter note.
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Is it okay to use stock instead of water?
You can use vegetable or chicken stock if you want a richer depth of flavor, but this recipe is designed to shine with just water, curry powder, and cream — keeping it light and allowing the root vegetables’ natural flavors to stand out.
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Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day ahead and reheat gently before serving. The flavors actually meld beautifully with a little resting time.
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What’s the best blender to use for this soup?
A stick blender is ideal because it lets you blend directly in the pot with less mess. If you only have a countertop blender, work in batches and be careful with the hot liquid — vent the lid slightly to avoid pressure build-up.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe turns out every single time — it’s become my go-to when I want something soothing but not boring. The mix of earthy root vegetables with the gentle curry spice and creamy finish feels like a big warm hug in a bowl. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and see how easy it is to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share it) with something that feels homemade but effortlessly special. Trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible, and you might just want to keep this one in your recipe arsenal forever!
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Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (5-6 as a main course)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Country-style/Western
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Country harvest root vegetable soup is a comforting and nourishing creamy soup that highlights the natural sweetness and starchiness of root vegetables. Enhanced with fragrant curry powder and fresh thyme, this soup is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and offers a rich, velvety texture thanks to a touch of cream. Perfect for chilly days, it’s served with warm crusty bread and garnished with parsley for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter
- 1 onion, chopped into large dice
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
- Pinch extra curry powder (for garnish)
- Pinch black pepper (for garnish)
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)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 litre (6 cups) water
- 2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt (halve if using table salt)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup thickened cream (heavy cream or regular), plus extra for garnish
To Serve
- Warm crusty bread
- Parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Root Vegetables and Spices: Add the potato, sweet potato, carrots, parsnip, and celeriac to the pot along with the dried thyme and curry powder. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables start to soften on the outside and the spices become fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Increase the heat to high and pour in the water. Add the salt and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-high and let it simmer rapidly without a lid for 15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are very tender when pierced with a knife.
- Add Cream and Heat through: Stir in the 1/2 cup of cream and allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 1 minute to combine flavors and heat through.
- Blend Until Smooth: Remove the pot from the heat and use a stick (immersion) blender to blitz the soup until completely smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding water if too thick, and season to taste with extra salt, pepper, or cream as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle with extra cream, sprinkle a pinch of curry powder and black pepper, and garnish with finely chopped parsley. Serve alongside warm crusty bread for dipping and a complete meal.
Notes
- This soup celebrates the natural creaminess of root vegetables, which are high in starch content, making it naturally thick and luxurious even before adding cream.
- Using water instead of stock keeps the soup light while the curry powder infuses it with rich and complex flavor, preventing any flatness.
- The recipe is flexible; you can substitute or omit some root vegetables depending on availability without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- This soup is low calorie despite its creamy texture, making it a hearty yet healthy comfort food option.
- Using a stick blender is ideal for achieving a smooth texture, but a countertop blender can be used in batches if needed. Let the soup cool slightly before blending for safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 362 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1140 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg
