THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Appetizer
Vegetarian-Friendly Cream of Fennel Soup
This creamy soup highlights the subtle licorice flavor of fresh fennel, making it a comforting and unique dish perfect for any season. It's simple to prepare and completely vegetarian-friendly, ideal for a cozy meal at home.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Vegetarian-Friendly Cream of Fennel Soup
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Toast and Grind Spices
Start by toasting the star anise, cardamom pods, and coriander seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on them and stir often so they don’t burn—this should take about 2 to 4 minutes until they smell really fragrant. Once toasted, crush the spices into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle (or a spice grinder if you have one).
02
Saut Aromatics Gently
Next, warm some olive oil in a large pot and add the fennel, onion, and leek. Cook them gently until they’re soft and tender, which usually takes around 5 minutes. Sprinkle in your spice mix along with a pinch of salt, then cover the pot and let everything simmer on medium heat for about 25 minutes to really develop the flavors.
03
Simmer with Wine and Broth
After that, pour in the white wine and let it cook down until it’s reduced by half—this should take 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the vegetable broth and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes.
04
Blend and finish soup
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot until it’s silky smooth. Stir in the cream and warm the soup gently, but be careful not to let it boil. Give it a taste and adjust the salt if needed before serving.
Why you’ll love it
This soup offers a delicate blend of sweet and savory flavors with a creamy texture that feels comforting and light. It’s a great way to enjoy fennel’s unique taste while keeping the dish vegetarian and wholesome.
How to serve
Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore the creamy texture.
