Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 bulb fennel, tops trimmed and 1/4 cup fronds reserve
• 4 ribs celery with leafy tops from the heart, diced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced not more than 1/2-inch
• 2 all-purpose potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped, optional
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large fresh bay leaves
• About 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock-in-a-box
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• Biscuit mix prepared to package directions for 8 drop biscuits (recommended: JIFFY brand)
• A handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium high heat with olive oil, 4 turns of the pan. Quarter and core the fennel, then chop into a small dice and add to the pot. Chop the vegetables and keep adding to the pot as you work to keep your cutting board clear - add the diced celery, chopped parsnips, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and season liberally with salt and pepper, add in bay leaves and thyme. Sweat the vegetables 8 to 10 minutes covered, stirring fairly frequently, then add wine and deglaze the pot Stir in the stock plus 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Heat the butter in a small skillet over medium heat to melt, then whisk in the flour 1 minute. Scrape the roux into the soup. Simmer the soup a few minutes to combine the flavors then cool and cover for a make-ahead meal.
2. Bring the soup to a boil over medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Stir together the biscuit mix with water and parsley according to package directions. When the soup comes to a boil add in the peas, dill and reserved fennel fronds. Using 2 spoons drop the biscuit mix into a pot shaping small egg-shaped dumplings as you go. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and serve the hearty, thick soup in shallow bowls.