Simple Cauliflower Soup

How to make simple Cauliflower Soup? It can be done with just a little effort.The highlight here is the ginger-in three forms, fresh, ground, and crystallized. The cauliflower gives the soup body and creaminess without adding any actual cream. This recipe makes 8 servings. Follow the simple directions:

SIMPLE CAULIFLOWER SOUP

INGREDIENTS :

2 tablespoons canola oil1 large yellow onion, choppedOne 21/2-pound cauliflower head, trimmed and broken into small florets1/4 cup minced peeled fresh ginger1/3 cup chopped crystallized ginger2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest, plus additional for garnish1 teaspoon ground ginger1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, preferably white pepper4 cups (1 quart) vegetable broth2 cups plain yogurt (regular, low-fat, or fat free)2 tablespoons honey

DIRECTIONS :

Heat a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Add the canola oil, then the onion. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 4 minutes.Stir in the caulifl ower fl orets and minced fresh ginger; cook, stirring often, until very aromatic, about 2 minutes.Stir in the crystallized ginger, orange zest, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the broth, scraping up the browned bits on the pan’s bottom.Bring to a simmer; then cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer slowly until the cauliflower is very tender, about 30 minutes.Working in batches as needed, pour the contents of the pan into a large food processor fitted with the chopping blade or into a large blender. Process or blend until smooth; turn off the machine to occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated. Pour the puree back into the saucepan. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pan.Whisk in the yogurt and honey; bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Ladle into bowls; if desired, grate a little orange zest over each serving.

Variations:

Substitute unsalted butter for the canola oil. Add up to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper with the ground ginger. For a brighter taste, substitute 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest for the orange zest.

Curried Ginger Soup:

Add 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder with the ground ginger.

Follow this directions carefully. Hope you like this unique soup recipe and Bon Apetit.