Cauliflower Soup With Crispy Prosciutto And Parmesan Recipes

CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a big soup pot, set over med-high heat.
• Add in leeks; saute/stirring, until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
• Add in cauliflower florets, chicken stock, and cayenne pepper; bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally; then reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover pot.
• Cook until vegetables are very tender, about 20 minutes.
• Puree the soup in batches in a food processor, blender, or food mill, and return soup to pot (or use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot).
• Whisk in 1/2 cup of the cheese and the creme fraiche; taste the soup and season with salt if needed (the soup can be made 2 days ahead; cool, cover, and refrigerate; reheat over medium heat).
• Cut the prosciutto into julienne strips 3-4 inches long and 1/4 inch wide.
• Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat; when hot, add the prosciutto, saute/stir occasionally, until crisp and browned, for 4-5 minutes.
• Using slotted spoon, transfer prosciutto to paper towels to drain.
• To serve--ladle soup into 6 soup bowls; sprinkle each serving with some prosciutto, chopped parsley, and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.

SILKY CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH PARMESAN CRISPS

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.

SILKY CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH PARMESAN CRISPS

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.
• Meanwhile, make the Parmesan crisps:
• 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.