V for Vegetable
Stretching vegan cuisine beyond its disciples
Richard Landau, the chef-owner of Philadelphia's highly anticipated new vegan restaurant, Vedge, knows that vegetables well deserve a starring role. Consider the parsnip: The centerpiece of Vedge's parsnip bisque, the winter staple , contributes an earthy sweetness that the chef offsets with roasted chestnuts and a hit of warm spice courtesy of ground allspice, cloves and nutmeg. Whether you're serving devoted vegans or committed carnivores, this refined soup is certain to satisfy.
Parsnip and Chestnut Bisque
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Cook Time:
25 minutes
- INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 pound parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped
¼ cup sweet Marsala wine
8 cups vegetable stock
2 cups jarred peeled chestnuts
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup tofu sour cream or tofu cream cheese
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. In a medium stockpot set over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic and parsnips and sauté until the parsnips begin to brown, about 5 to 6 minutes.
2. Add the Marsala and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vegetable stock, chestnuts, allspice, cloves, nutmeg and tofu sour cream and bring to a simmer. Cook until the parsnips are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside; allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Carefully purée the cooled mixture in a blender. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
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About The Chef
Richard Landau honed his vegetarian-cooking skills at Horizons Café, which he opened in suburban Philadelphia in 1994. He closed Horizons in July; since then, he and his wife and pastry chef, Kate Jacoby, have focused on introducing Philadelphia diners to intelligent vegetable cuisine at Vedge.
Vedge, 1221 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA; 215-923-6117 or vedgerestaurant.com
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