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Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients


3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling1

1 medium onion, chopped

1.5 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more3

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped1

large head of cauliflower (2½–3 lb.), florets broken into small pieces, core chopped¼

1/4tsp. freshly ground white or black pepper, plus more¾

3/4 cup half-and-half

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

5 cups country-style bread, preferably day-old, torn or sliced into 1" cubes

½ cup finely grated Gruyère or cheddar

1 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. fresh lemon juice


Instructions

Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 350°. Heat 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan or small Dutch oven over medium-low. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and season with kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if onion starts to brown, until softened but without taking on any color, 5–7 minutes. Add 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped, and cook, stirring, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add 1 large head of cauliflower (2½–3 lb.), florets broken into small pieces, core chopped, 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, ¼ tsp. freshly ground white or black pepper, and 5½ cups water (the water should just barely cover the cauliflower). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, until cauliflower is completely tender and starting to fall apart, 15–20 minutes. Stir in ¾ cup half-and-half and simmer 5 minutes; remove from heat.


While the soup is simmering, whisk 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted, and 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a medium bowl to combine; season with salt and pepper. Add 5 cups country-style bread, preferably day-old, torn or sliced into 1" cubes, and toss to coat in mustard mixture. Scatter ½ cup finely grated Gruyère or cheddar over and toss again to combine. Transfer bread mixture to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake in a single layer, turning halfway through, until cheese is melted and croutons are golden brown and crisp, 10–15 minutes.


Working in batches, carefully purée soup in a blender until very smooth, transferring to a medium bowl as you go. (Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to blend soup in pot until smooth.) Return soup to pot and reheat over medium-low, stirring and adding more water to thin if needed (you’re going for the consistency of heavy cream). Stir in 1 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. fresh lemon juice. Taste and season soup with more salt and/or pepper if desired.


Ladle soup into bowls. Top with cheesy mustard croutons and drizzle with more oil.


Do ahead: Soup can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Reheat soup over medium-low, adding a splash of water to thin if needed.


Description

This soup is thick and creamy and delicious.


Servings

4


Notes

Nothing could have been better than watching the football games on a raw and rainy day with a mug of this soup. It is marvelous. I did cheat and use some croutons that I had and didn't make the ones in the recipe. It was fine.


Source

Bon Apetit December 2024 to January 2025

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