Cream of white radish soup

White radish cream soup – a healthy and comforting delight for cool autumn days

As the weather cools down, autumn brings us not only warm colors but also the desire to indulge in delicious soups that warm our souls. Today, I propose a simple and quick recipe for white radish cream soup, which is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This recipe will not only bring an explosion of flavors to your table, but will also transform a lesser-used vegetable into the star of the evening.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 fresh, crunchy white radishes
- 1 medium potato for extra creaminess
- Half a zucchini to add a sweet and soft note
- 1 celery stalk for flavor
- A small piece of leek for a fine texture
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil for an intense flavor
- 1.5 liters of vegetable broth (or water, if you prefer)
- Cream (optional, depending on your diet)
- A pinch of butter (optional, for a richer taste)

Preparing the white radish cream soup:

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Peel the white radishes, potato, and zucchini, then cut them into cubes or slices. The celery stalk and leek can be sliced thinly. This step is essential, as uniformly cut vegetables will cook evenly and contribute to a smooth soup.

Step 2: Cooking the vegetables
For an intense flavor, you have the option to sauté the onion, leek, and celery stalk in a pot with a little olive oil. This will add a layer of flavor. If you prefer to skip this step, you can go straight to boiling. Add all the chopped vegetables to the pot with 1.5 liters of vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Blending the vegetables
After about 20 minutes, when the vegetables are soft, drain the broth, but don’t throw it away! Keep it, as it will be used to achieve the desired consistency of the soup. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the cooked vegetables. Gradually add the reserved broth, adjusting the consistency until you reach the desired texture: smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Seasoning
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a richer flavor, add a pinch of butter and stir until fully melted. If you prefer, now is the time to add the cream for extra creaminess.

Serving
The white radish cream soup is served warm, topped with crispy croutons for a pleasant contrast of textures. A delicious option would be to add strips of roasted chicken left over from a previous dinner to turn the soup into a hearty main dish.

A brief history
This cream soup recipe is a modern adaptation of traditional dishes that used seasonal ingredients to create comforting meals. White radishes, often overlooked, have been cultivated for centuries for their nutritional properties and delicate taste.

Nutritional benefits
White radishes are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, and are low in calories. This soup is ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy diet, averaging about 80 calories per serving, without cream. Additionally, the vegetables used are full of fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

Possible variations
To customize this soup, you can add spices like cumin or nutmeg, which pair well with the vegetables. Also, if you want to experiment with other vegetables, carrots or squash are excellent options.

Frequently asked questions
Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can replace some vegetables with your favorites or those that are in season.

How can I make the soup spicier? Add a dash of chili or a little cayenne pepper for a kick of flavor.

What can I serve alongside this soup? A light salad with fresh vegetables or crispy bread would perfectly complement the meal.

My personal tip
I love to add some croutons flavored with garlic and herbs de Provence, which provide a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors. Also, feel free to experiment with different flavored olive oils to give the soup an even more interesting taste.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and enjoy making this white radish cream soup. It is a dish that will not only warm you on rainy days but will also bring a touch of joy to your table!