Cauliflower And Parmesan Soup Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Remove the leaves and thick core from the cauliflower, coarsely chop, and reserve. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened, but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the cauliflower is very soft and falling apart, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and, using a hand held immersion blender, puree the soup, or puree in small batches in a blender* and return it to the pot. Add the Parmesan and stir until smooth. Season, to taste, with salt and black pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread the shredded cheese over the foil in 1 even thin layer. Bake about 10 minutes until golden brown and crisps. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes. Break sheet of crisp cheese into large pieces and garnish each soup bowl with a couple shards and a pinch of fresh chives.
• *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

Steps:

• Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Peel and dice the potato. Bring the water or stock to the boil, salt it well and cook the potato and cauliflower for 15 minutes.
• Trim the leeks and finely slice them. Melt the butter in a frying pan and gently cook the leeks until softened. Tip the leeks into the cauliflower and potato mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Use a potato masher to crush the vegetables in the pan, or purée half the soup in a blender and return to the pan. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Add the parmesan and nutmeg, stirring gently. Taste for salt and pepper, scatter with parsley and chives, and serve.