Chantelle Nicholson's comforting parsnip soup recipe is given a creamy lusciousness by coconut milk, all the while staying both vegan and gluten-free. Served with beautifully crispy parsnipbhajis, this dish is the perfect winter warmer.
To make the parsnip soup, heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan over a moderate heat. When hot, add the parsnips, season well and cook until lightly caramelised, for approximately 25 minutes
Add the vegetable stock to the pan and simmer for 20 minutes until the parsnip is cooked through
800ml of vegetable stock
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Meanwhile, make the parsnip bhajis. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4
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Mix all of the bhaji ingredients together in a large bowl, apart from the coconut oil. Season the mix with salt and pepper then heat the coconut oil in a non-stick frying pan
Using two spoons, shape the bhaji mixture and fry off until golden. Place on a greased baking sheet and cook the bhajis for 8–10 minutes until golden cooked through
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To finish the soup, remove the bay leaf, add the coconut milk and blitz in a blender until smooth and reheat on the hob if necessary. Divide the soup between bowls and sprinkle with cumin seeds and cress (if using). Drizzle with rapeseed oil and serve with the hot crispy bhajis on the side, or in the soup as croutons
From New Zealand law student to the opening of her first solo sustainable restaurant Apricity, Chantelle Nicholson’s hard work and determination – especially in evolving free-from and plant-based cooking at the highest level – has cemented her reputation as one of the UK's most forward-thinking chefs.
