2731. ROASTED CAULIFLOWER SOUP wtih BACON

serves six


1 head cauliflower, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/3 cup olive oil, divided
8 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
3 cups torn French or Italian bread, crusts removed
1 teaspoon paprika
a pinch of cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

On baking sheet, combine cauliflower and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil; toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer. Roast in preheated oven until soft and brown around the edges, about 20 minutes. Set aside.

In a large pot, heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.

Pour off all but about 3 tablespoons of the fat in the pot. Add onion and garlic; saute for 2 minutes. Add cauliflower, stock, bread, paprika and cayenne; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in vinegar.

Using an immersion blender, or in a food processor or blender in batches, puree soup until smooth. Return to the pot, if necessary, and season with salt and black pepper.

Ladle into heated bowls and garnish with parsley and bacon.


bacon recipe courtesy of: 300 Sensational Soups by Carla Snyder and Meredith Deeds, 2008. p. 56