If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-warming bowl that’s bursting with flavor and fairly easy to pull off, you’ve got to try this Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup balances the natural sweetness and earthiness of root vegetables with the warmth of curry and the richness of cream. When I first tried it, I was surprised by how something so simple could taste so luxurious and comforting. Stick around—I’m about to share everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic soup your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Creamy: Thanks to the starch-heavy root veggies and a touch of cream, it’s velvety without drowning you in dairy.
- Flavor-Packed Spice: That curry powder adds a beautiful warm kick but never overpowers the soup’s delicate balance.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these in your kitchen already, making it great for last-minute comfort food.
- Versatile & Nourishing: It’s low-calorie yet satisfying and forgiving—perfect for tweaking with what you’ve got on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe play off each other beautifully. The medley of root vegetables gives it incredible body, while the curry and thyme lift the flavors just right. When shopping, fresh thyme and good-quality curry powder really make a difference, so if you can splurge a little there, I recommend it.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing that complements the butter.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps brown the onion and garlic without burning.
- Onion: I use yellow or white onions—chopped into large dice to build flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and chopped finely to release that warming aroma.
- Curry powder: This is your flavor hero; my favorite is Clive’s brand but any good-quality one works.
- Dried thyme leaves: Adds subtle earthiness that balances the curry’s spice.
- Water: Not stock—important for a clean base that lets the curry shine without heaviness.
- Salt (cooking or kosher): Helps bring out all the other flavors perfectly; adjust if using table salt.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground gives gentle heat and complexity.
- Thickened cream: Use heavy cream or regular cream for that luxurious finish and garnish.
- Large potato: Peeled and cubed; it’s a starchy base that helps thicken the soup naturally.
- Medium sweet potato: Adds a lovely sweetness and color contrast.
- Carrots: Peeled and cut into smaller pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Parsnip: Slightly sweet and nutty, balancing the curry perfectly.
- Celeriac (celery root): Peeled and diced; it gives subtle celery flavor and creamy texture when cooked down.
- Warm crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into every last drop of soup.
- Parsley: Finely chopped to add fresh green bursts on top.
- Pinch of extra curry powder and black pepper: For final seasoning and garnish flair.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe is how easy it is to open the door to your creativity. I love to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in the fridge, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Use coconut milk instead of cream: I discovered this trick for a dairy-free version that brings a subtle tropical sweetness alongside the curry.
- Add some heat: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or fresh ginger during the sauté step if you love a little extra kick in your soup.
- Swap root veggies: Tried it with some butternut squash instead of sweet potato once—it added a smooth texture I adored.
- Make it heartier: Stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas at the end to transform it into a filling main course.
How to Make Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe
Step 1: Warm Up Your Pan and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter’s melted and bubbling, add your chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion looks soft and translucent but not browned—that’s key to a mellow base flavor. Trust me, rushing this part will affect the depth of taste later on.
Step 2: Let the Spices and Vegetables Work Their Magic
Next, toss in your diced root vegetables along with the dried thyme leaves and curry powder. Stir it well so every piece gets a nice coating of those spices. Keep cooking for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly—the edges of the vegetables should start to soften but not mush. This step wakes up the flavors and gets everything ready for simmering.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender and Flavorful
Now turn up the heat to high and pour in the water, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and wait for the pot to come to a simmer. Once it does, lower the heat to medium-high and let it simmer rapidly—no lid—for about 15 minutes. You want to end up with all those veggies nice and soft. I like to poke them with a knife to make sure—they should slide in easily without much resistance.
Step 4: Add Cream for that Luscious Finish
After the veggies are beautifully tender, stir in the cream and then simmer for just one minute to marry all the flavors. This little addition takes the soup from wholesome to indulgent without overdoing it. If you’re watching calories, the half cup is just perfect.
Step 5: Blitz to Silky Smooth Perfection
Remove the pot from the heat and grab your stick blender. I learned that blitzing right in the pot saves a huge mess and keeps all those flavors together. Blend until silky smooth, then taste and adjust. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it. Maybe a pinch more salt or pepper? And if you want that creamier luxury, drizzle a bit more cream in—the choice is yours!
Pro Tips for Making Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe
- Don’t Rush Sautéing: Softened onions and garlic build the flavor foundation, so take your time here for the best results.
- Use a Good Stick Blender: It helps get that perfect creamy consistency without heating burns or extra dishes.
- Taste as You Go: I always adjust seasoning after blending—it’s amazing how much a little more salt or pepper can brighten the soup.
- Avoid Overcooking the Vegetables: Too soft and they lose texture, too firm and the soup won’t be as smooth—check with a knife to get it just right.
How to Serve Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe
Garnishes
I love a simple garnish here—just a swirl of cream drizzled on top, a pinch of extra curry powder for a pop of color, freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley to add a fresh, herbal brightness. It’s easy but elevates the presentation and makes every spoonful visually inviting.
Side Dishes
Warm, crusty bread is my go-to side because it’s perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of that silky soup. Sometimes I’ll also serve a simple green salad on the side to add some crunch and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I like serving this soup in mini pumpkin shells or small hollowed-out bread bowls—makes it feel festive and cozy. You can also garnish with a drizzle of chili oil or toasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture and a splash of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When doing this, make sure the soup cools to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve flavor and texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When I’m ready to eat it, I thaw overnight in the fridge and it still tastes just as fresh and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels a bit thick after storage, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to get back that creamy, sip-able consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use vegetable stock instead of water for this soup?
You absolutely can use vegetable stock if you want a richer flavor, but I love this recipe with just water because the curry powder adds enough depth and the root veggies create natural creaminess—keeping it lighter and low-calorie.
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Is this soup suitable for vegans?
As written, the recipe includes butter and cream, but you can easily swap in vegan butter or olive oil and use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to make it fully vegan without sacrificing flavor.
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Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by sautéing the aromatics first, then adding all ingredients and cooking on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until veggies are tender. Blend at the end as usual.
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What if I don’t have some of the root vegetables listed?
No worries! This soup is very flexible—you can swap in other hearty vegetables like butternut squash, turnips, or even pumpkin. Just adjust cooking times to make sure everything gets tender before blending.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe has become one of those comforting dishes I turn to time and again throughout the colder months. It’s cozy, indulgent in just the right way, and flexible enough to suit whatever’s in season or in your pantry. I truly hope you love making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a whirl—you’ll have a new favorite soup to keep in your recipe rotation for sure!
Print
Root Vegetable Soup with Curry and Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 5 servings (5-6 as a main course)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (with curry-inspired flavors)
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Country Harvest Root Vegetable Soup is a nourishing, flavorful soup featuring a mix of hearty root vegetables simmered with fragrant curry powder and thyme. This creamy soup is made with water instead of stock for a low-calorie option, finished with a touch of cream for luxuriously smooth texture. Perfectly comforting and flexible, it’s an ideal dish to enjoy year-round, served with warm crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Base and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter
- 1 onion, chopped into large dice
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 2 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt (halve for table salt)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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 Garnishes
- 1 1/2 litre (6 cups) water
- 1/2 cup thickened cream (heavy cream or regular), plus extra for garnish
- Warm crusty bread, to serve
- Parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
- Pinch extra curry powder, for garnish
- Pinch black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Put the olive oil and butter in a large heavy-based pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add root vegetables and spices: Add the potato, sweet potato, carrots, parsnip, celeriac, dried thyme, and curry powder to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, so the edges of the vegetables start to soften and are coated with the spices.
- Simmer vegetables: Increase the stove heat to high, add the water, salt, and pepper. Stir, then bring to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium-high and simmer rapidly, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are very soft when pierced with a knife.
- Add cream and finish simmering: Stir in the 1/2 cup of thickened cream and continue to simmer gently for another minute to meld the flavors and heat the cream through.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from the heat. Using a stick blender, blend the soup until completely smooth. Adjust the thickness if needed by adding a little water. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or cream for richness.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Drizzle with a little extra cream, sprinkle a pinch of curry powder, fresh chopped parsley, and a little black pepper on top. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- This recipe video is available showing the step-by-step preparation.
- The name ‘Country Harvest’ is a creative twist, emphasizing the hearty root vegetables rather than literally harvested country produce.
- Root vegetables provide natural creaminess due to their starch content, enhanced by a small amount of cream for luxurious texture.
- The soup is made with water rather than stock, using curry powder for a robust flavor boost to keep it exciting and avoid flatness.
- Using a stick blender provides the smoothest, creamiest soup consistency. Alternatively, use a countertop blender in batches if needed.
- This recipe is low calorie and comforting — perfect for a nourishing meal.
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
