Finnish Turnip and Pear Soup

This is creamy white, thick, and both sweet and sharp. Yields 4 cups.

1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon oil
3 medium-large turnips, peeled and chopped (3 cups)
3 large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 3 cups)
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups vegetable stock or water
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 to 2 cups pear or apple juice
freshly-ground black pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, sauté the onion in oil for about 5 minutes, until translucent but not browned. Add the chopped turnips and pears along with the salt and thyme. Saute for another 10 min. or so, stirring occasionally.

Add the stock or water and cook, covered, on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and tender. Add the nutmeg. In a blender or food processor, purée the soup with juice until smooth and thick. Season with black pepper to taste.

From: Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant, by the Moosewood Collective.