Cauliflower-Parsnip Soup with Beet Crisps

1. 1
   Heat olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once butter foams, add leek and season well with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until leek is softened but not completely cooked, about 3 minutes.
2. 2
   Add parsnips and stir to coat in oil. Cook until parsnips are softened but not completely tender, about 4 minutes. (Do not let the vegetables color.)
3. 3
   Add cauliflower, stir, and cook for about 1 minute. Add salt and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium low, and cook until vegetables are completely tender, about 8 to 9 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove from heat and allow soup to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Process in a blender until completely smooth. Return soup to the saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

For the beet crisps:

1. 1
   Trim top off beet and peel it, leaving a 1-inch-wide layer of skin near the top so that you don’t dye your hand while slicing. Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, make very thin slices of beet—about 8 whole slices or 1/3 cup.
2. 2
   Fill a small saucepan with 1/2 inch oil. Heat over medium heat to 375°F. Line a plate with paper towels and set aside.
3. 3
   Add several beet slices and fry, shaking the pan a little, until beets crisp up, about 30 to 45 seconds. Remove beets from oil with a slotted spoon and place on the paper-towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat with remaining beet slices.
4. 4
   Serve soup topped with beet chips.