Makes about 6 cups.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound parsnips (about 6 medium), peeled and chopped
  • 5 large shallots, chopped fine (about 1 cup)
  • 3 leeks (white and pale green parts only), trimmed, halved lengthwise, chopped fine, washed well
  • 1 celery rib, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon dry sherry
  • 4 1/2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream,or to taste, if desired
  • 3/4 cup hazelnut pesto
    garnish: chopped toasted hazelnuts if desired

    DIRECTIONS

    In a 4-quart heavy kettle cook parsnips, shallots, leeks, and celery with salt and pepper to taste in butter over moderately high heat, stirring, until vegetables are browned, about 10 minutes. Add 1/4 cup Sherry and coil until liquid is evaporated. Stir in water and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes, or until vegetables are very soft.


    Purée mixture in batches in a blender (use caution when blending hot liquids), transferring to a large saucepan. Stir in remaining tablespoon Sherry, cream, and salt and pepper to taste and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.


    Serve soup topped with a dollop of hazelnut pesto and garnished with a few hazelnuts.