Showing posts with label Vegetables. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vegetables. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Soup's On: Cauliflower Soup


With a head of cauliflower in my refrigerator, I went to the epicurious web site for inspiration and found this terrific recipe for cauliflower soup.

It's delicious -- even people who don't like cauliflower will enjoy it. Just don't tell them the main ingredient!

I think that the bacon is the secret ingredient!



INGREDIENTS:

2 ounces applewood-smoked bacon (about 2 slices), chopped
1 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, chopped
6 cups 1-inch pieces cauliflower (cut from 1 large head)
3 1/2 cups - 4 cups chicken broth
1 3/4 inch cube Pecorino Romano cheese plus additional cheese shavings for serving
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
White or black truffle oil (for drizzling)

METHOD:

Saute bacon in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and some fat renders. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cover and cook until vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Add cauliflower, 3 1/2 cups broth, and cheese cube. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until cauliflfower is tender, about 20 minutes.

Puree soup in batches in processor or blender. Return to same pan. Add cream and bring soup to simmer. Thin with more broth by 1/4 cupfuls if desired. Season with salt and pepper.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Kitchen Tip: On Vegetables, Be Flexible

In Jackson Hole, WY and in many other places that I have lived, you have to go to the market with a little flexibility in mind when it comes to vegetables.

If you are shopping for broccoli but it is limp be ready to change your plans and go for the green beans. Or, if the green beans are expensive, switch to zucchini. It's a good idea to know how to steam and season a few favorite vegetable so that you can substitute as required to take advantage of what is best at the market.