Winter root vegetables lend their complementary, slightly sweet flavors to this hearty bowl and the fried sunchoke chips add a complementary crunch to this soup's smooth texture.
1. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add chopped parsnip, water, carrot and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 50 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.
2. Place half of carrot mixture in a blender; process until smooth. Pour pureed carrot mixture in a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining carrot mixture. Stir in salt and pepper.
3. Heat remaining 5 teaspoons oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sunchoke slices; cook 5 minutes or until lightly browned, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle sunchoke chips and chives over soup.