CAULIFLOWER AND LEEK SOUP WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE & CROUTONS
Recipe
A cosy winter’s night at home is curling up on the sofa with this bowl of warming, creamy soup.
Heat half the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the leek and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened, but not allowing to brown. Add the chopped cauliflower and potato to the saucepan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour the stock and water over the vegetables. Tie the thyme, parsley and bay leaf together in a bundle with kitchen string then add to the pot. Increase the heat to high. Add a teaspoon of salt, stir to combine and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until all the vegetables are very tender.
Meanwhile to make the croutons, pre-heat the oven to 180° (160°C fan-forced). Toss the bread in the remaining oil in a medium bowl. Spread the oiled bread in a single layer over a baking paper lined baking tray. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside.
To finish the soup, remove the herb bundle and discard. Stir in the sour cream and half the cheese. Using a hand-held blender, or food processor, puree the soup until smooth. Season to taste.
To serve, ladle soup into warmed soup bowls and scatter over the croutons and remaining cheese.
STORAGE: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
80ml (1/3 cup) olive oil
2 leeks, white section, halved lengthways, finely sliced
2 large cauliflower, broken into florets and then coarsely chopped
500g potato, peeled, cut into 2cm chunks (try Sebago or Dutch Cream)
1.25 litres (5 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
½ litre (2 cups) water
6 sprigs of thyme
4 sprigs parsley
1 bay leaf
sea salt, or to taste
4 thick slices sourdough bread, torn into 3cm pieces (a good way to use up stale bread)
200g sour cream
200g (2 cups) aged cheddar, coarsely grated
