Tuscan Kale, Carrot and Parsnip Soup

Tuscan-Kale-Soup-FB

I’m so excited to share my new blog design today with you along with a new recipe!  I’m still working out some of the kinks and a logo design is in the works but it’s getting there.  I seem to have the urge for change about this time every year – it must have something to do with the new seasons.

The whole purpose of the new look is easier access to the recipes and thanks to EasyIndex, now it’s a snap.  Thank you, John – I’m blown away by this plugin!

Tuscan Kale, Carrot and Parnsip Soup | Simply Fresh Dinners

I saw this recipe on the cover of Vegetarian Times  magazine and knew immediately it had to go on my table.  I’ve changed things up a little and added a few veggies because I like to fill my soup with lots of healthy yumminess.

In the recipe, they called for the addition of water along with vegetable broth but this is a 30 minute soup and I believe when you’re making a quick soup, you need to go with straight broth if you want the flavor just right.  When adding water, you’re going to require a longer cooking time.

Tuscan Kale, Carrot and Parnsip Soup | Simply Fresh Dinners

The colors are all about Fall and this will make a lovely appetizer for your holiday meals.  Working with the farms has given me a fresh appreciation for the vibrant hues of fresh produce and what a difference it makes in presentation.   We all want to dig into something inviting rather than the blandness that is usually associated with dishes that are unhealthy.

I’m now committed to eating seasonally and given that our growing period for many fruits and vegetables is very short here in Ontario, it’s going to be an interesting challenge over the winter months but one I’m looking forward to. Barrie Hill Farms freezes many of their fruits and veggies so that will be a life saver and Nicholyn Farms is open year round so they will keep me on track with seasonal foods.  This will give me a chance to stretch my brain cells and be super creative with winter produce.  And these poor brain cells definitely need some exercise!

Tuscan Kale, Carrot and Parsnip Soup
Author: Robyn (Adapted from Vegetarian Times)
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8 persons
Ingredients
  • 2 bunches multi-colored carrots, cut into 1 inch chunks (4 cups)
  • 2 medium sized parsnip, cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 4-6 button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium organic vegetable broth
  • 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes in juice
  • 2 12 oz bunches Tuscan kale, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped.
  • 6 whole leaves of fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped plus small handful of whole chives
  • 1 15 oz can white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • freshly cracked black pepper, kosher salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Bring carrots, parsnips, mushrooms, tomatoes with juice, garlic, vegetable broth to a simmer in large stockpot with steamer insert over medium heat.
  2. Place kale , whole basil leaves, and whole chives in steamer insert.
  3. Set steamer inside stockpot, cover, and steam 5-7 minutes, using tongues to stir halfway through.
  4. Remove and discard basil and chives. Add kale, beans and vinegar to soup and return to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Stir in chopped basil and chives just before serving.
Calories: 186 Fat: 1 g Carbohydrates: 25 g Sugar: 6 g Sodium: 375 mg Fiber: 8 g Protein: 7 g Cholesterol: 0

The best thing about this soup is the unique taste.  The kale, chives and basil are steamed over the stockpot so the kale doesn’t become too soggy and the addition of a small amount of balsamic vinegar was a delight to the senses.  I’ve never added it to soup before but I’ll be looking to include it again in the future.

I hope you’ll enjoy the new design and if you make this dish and share it on Instagram, don’t forget to hashtag me at #simplyfreshdinners so I can share it too.  Cheers!

Pin It!

Tuscan, Kale, Carrot and Parsnip Soup | Simply Fresh Dinners

34 Comments

  • Reply
    Stephanie
    October 15, 2015 at 5:02 pm

    Oooooh, I love your new blog design! I was glad to see it just happened because I was thinking to myself that I’ve been a terrible friend and haven’t visited in AGES and haven’t even noticed your “new you.” 🙂 I love the look, Robyn. I’ve been thinking I would like to change my site too…..maybe while I’m on a break.

    How are you, dear one? Your soup looks delicious and oh-so-colorful…a winner for me 🙂 Thinking of you and wishing you a lovely night. Hugs!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 15, 2015 at 5:59 pm

      Thanks so much, Stephanie! I haven’t been visiting either and you never have to worry about that 🙂
      I thought you were already on a break, lol.
      We need to catch up soon and talk about camera bags!! Hugs to you!
      Robyn recently posted…Tuscan Kale, Carrot and Parsnip SoupMy Profile

  • Reply
    Kevin | Keviniscooking
    October 15, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    Robyn, this new site design is fantastic, just love it. So clean and open. The font is great as are the chosen colors. Which leads me to this soup! Bravo! It’s so Fall, so hearty and the colors are beautiful. Love the basil and chive garnish on top, too!
    Kevin | Keviniscooking recently posted…Corn and Fregola with Grilled Halloumi CheeseMy Profile

  • Reply
    Robyn
    October 15, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    Thanks so much, Kevin! I really wanted it to be super easy and accessible. So glad you like the soup, it was a real treat to make. I could eat soup every day all year round, lol.
    Appreciate the visit 🙂
    Robyn recently posted…Tuscan Kale, Carrot and Parsnip SoupMy Profile

  • Reply
    Anita Rivera
    October 15, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    We are SO overdue for a chat….this soup is making me want to snuggle up this weekend with a bowl of something, anything from your kitchen! I am off from work again tomorrow as I was today, and I think I am going to BAKE! We have been watching the Great British Bakeoff and we are hooked. I think I shall make a vanilla cake with Earl Grey buttercream! YAYAYAYAY…but first, a healthy soup of plenty of colorful veggies!
    Enjoy this sensational season my friend! Anita

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 20, 2015 at 8:06 am

      Thanks so much, Anita. I’ve heard that show is fun so I’ll have to check it out! Vanilla cake? YUM!
      Can’t wait to chat tonight, my friend. xoxo
      Robyn recently posted…Tuesday Tidbits (No.41)My Profile

  • Reply
    Anita Rivera
    October 15, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    AND….your new blog look is LOVELY!

  • Reply
    Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
    October 15, 2015 at 11:34 pm

    This soup is beautiful! I know it’s Spring here but put a bowl of this in front of me and I can close my eyes and feel Autumn all over. 🙂
    Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted…Pecan Pie ÉclairsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Bam's Kitchen
    October 16, 2015 at 4:40 am

    Robyn this new theme is perfect for you so we can see all those vibrant beautiful veggies and healthy recipes. Love the addition of the balsamic in the soup, I am sure that makes it pop. Gorgeous photos and love John’s plugin! I need to give my categories and overhaul as well. Pinning, sharing, smoke signal sent!
    Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Cozy Chicken Curry SoupMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 17, 2015 at 7:07 am

      Thanks so much, Maureen. I think I like Spring almost as much because I’m so ready for wonderfully fresh, crisp veggies by that time. I guess our body adapts to the seasons so we love whatever time of year it is, lol.
      Robyn recently posted…Tuscan Kale, Carrot and Parsnip SoupMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 17, 2015 at 7:09 am

      You are too sweet, Bobbi – thank you SO much! Your soup looks amazing and I can’t wait to visit and read more!

  • Reply
    Linda
    October 16, 2015 at 9:09 am

    You know I love this clean design. It is fabulous! I knew you could do it….The recipe index is such a great look. This soup looks amazing. Like I have told you many times, the photography is perfect. It frames your veggies perfectly. I am so proud of you. Lots of love from W.W. xo
    Linda recently posted…A Thumbnail Photo Gallery TutorialMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 17, 2015 at 7:10 am

      I am so grateful for your help and suggestions, Linda – thank yo! LOL, you know I’m crazed about my photography and never happy! I think it drives me to keep improving and that’s a good thing 🙂 You make me smile, friend…thanks so much 🙂

  • Reply
    Susan
    October 16, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    I love how simple this is. I don’t remember having parsnips. Do they have the same smell as turnips?

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 17, 2015 at 7:14 am

      Hi Susan,

      Turnips and parsnips are both mild in flavor. A turnip is a root vegetable with a round, white root whereas a parsnip is a root vegetable that has the appearance of a cream-colored carrot Both can be prepared by roasting, boiling, and stir-frying.
      I love the simplicity, too!

  • Reply
    Kathryn Grace
    October 16, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    I discovered your blog such a short time ago and liked it from the moment I saw it. Your new design is sleek and fresh. Quite appealing! As is this Tuscan soup. Looks positively delicious. Balsamic vinegar and steaming the kale, chives and basil over the stock pot–sheer genius!
    Kathryn Grace recently posted…12 Foods that can cause deadly botulismMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 17, 2015 at 7:16 am

      Thanks so much, Kathryn Grace! I am all about visual appeal and wanted to make things very simple and easily accessible. You’ll love the flavors. Thanks so much for your visits – truly appreciated!

  • Reply
    cheri
    October 16, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    Hi Robyn, I love your new look. Your pictures look even more amazing, can’t wait to see your new logo. Love this veggie soup.
    cheri recently posted…Cauliflower Cake and a Guest PostMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 17, 2015 at 7:18 am

      Thanks, Cheri! I’m all over your cauliflower cake and will be sharing your recipe tonight at dinner with family members. My nephews and sister in law are big cauliflower fans and they’ll love it!

  • Reply
    Maggie
    October 16, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    Gosh you finished the new blog design secretly!!!! It is awesome and I LOVE LOVE LOVE how it looks! And what a gorgeous soup! It’s the perfect dish to celebrate your new blog design. Congrats! I wish I can open a bottle of campaign and celebrate together 🙂
    Maggie recently posted…Crispy Eggplant with Szechuan Meat Sauce (鱼香茄子)My Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 17, 2015 at 7:20 am

      LOL, it was much easier than I expected, Maggie, and Go Daddy did all the migrating work for me so it was a snap to download the new theme and pick my options. I still have some tweaking to do but I was SO ready to change. We need to chat! 🙂

  • Reply
    Marla
    October 17, 2015 at 8:49 am

    Hi Robyn
    This soup sound delicious & so healthy. I love all the different colors. I also like you new design of your website -good job. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!
    Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #110 – Truly Natural and HealthyMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 20, 2015 at 8:02 am

      Thanks, Marla! I loved the colours, too. Love joining your party each week!
      Robyn recently posted…Tuesday Tidbits (No.41)My Profile

  • Reply
    Deb @ Cooking on the Front Burner
    October 17, 2015 at 10:57 am

    Love your new design Robyn! And this soup and photos are amazing!
    Deb @ Cooking on the Front Burner recently posted…Pumpkin Energy BitesMy Profile

  • Reply
    Kristy as Giftie Etcetera
    October 17, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    I don’t want the recipe’ I just want that soup! Do you deliver? 🙂
    Kristy as Giftie Etcetera recently posted…I’m a Work at Home Mom, Who Rarely Works at HomeMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 20, 2015 at 8:01 am

      LOL, Kristy. You’re my first request for delivery. If I get some more, I’ll consider setting up a service! Thanks so much 🙂
      Robyn recently posted…Tuesday Tidbits (No.41)My Profile

  • Reply
    Charetina
    October 18, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    Your new website looks amazing!! Seriously amazing!! I look forward to visiting frequently so that I can dig into some of your great recipes. So far I love everything that I see!!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 20, 2015 at 8:03 am

      Thanks, Charetina! I was lucky to find a theme that fit my needs so well. Congrats on launching your blog. It’s beautiful!
      Robyn recently posted…Tuesday Tidbits (No.41)My Profile

  • Reply
    Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo
    October 19, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    Totally pinning this; Looks so scrumptious!
    Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo recently posted…Paleo Breakfast CasseroleMy Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 20, 2015 at 8:04 am

      Thanks so much, Heather! And thank you for the feature – so much appreciated!
      Robyn recently posted…Tuesday Tidbits (No.41)My Profile

    • Reply
      Robyn
      October 21, 2015 at 6:27 am

      Thanks, Heather. It really came together nicely…and quick!

  • Reply
    Food & Fitness Friday: 10-23-2015 - Jebbica's World Health
    October 22, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    […] Chocolate Goji Berry Protein Bliss Balls-Treat Yourself Sweeter Chopped Greens and Fruit Salad-Miz Helen’s Country Cottage Tuscan Kale, Carrot and Parsnip Soup–Simply Fresh Dinners […]

  • Reply
    Cold & Flu Busting Help - Life Currents
    December 30, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    […] Tuscan Kale, Carrot and Parsnip Soup from Simply Fresh Dinners […]

  • Leave a Reply

    CommentLuv badge