Prepare to transform the humble turnip into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This French-inspired soup is not just a simple dish, but a luxurious journey of creamy textures and rich, sophisticated flavors that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. With golden, crispy Gruyere croutons adding a decadent crunch, this recipe proves that comfort food can be both elegant and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups turnips, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 4 slices of bread, cubed
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by peeling and dicing turnips into uniform 1/2-inch cubes, finely chopping the onion, and cutting bread into small, even cubes.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add diced turnips to the pot and cook with onions for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until turnips are completely tender and can be easily mashed.
- While soup is simmering, prepare Gruyere croutons by preheating oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyere cheese.
- Bake croutons for 8-10 minutes until bread is golden and cheese is melted and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Season soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and top with freshly baked Gruyere croutons. Serve immediately while croutons are still crisp.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm turnips for the best flavor and texture. Younger, smaller turnips tend to be sweeter and less bitter.
- For an extra smooth consistency, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any potential fibrous bits.
- Use day-old bread for croutons, as slightly stale bread tends to crisp up better and absorb cheese more effectively.
- If you prefer a richer soup, substitute half the vegetable broth with heavy cream or add a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions.
- For a gourmet touch, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Make sure to cut turnips and bread into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
