Cream of Cauliflower and Stilton Soup

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

This cauliflower soup with Stilton is thickened with potato, celery, and leeks to make a creamy and very comforting soup on a dull, damp day.

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 leek, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 baking potato, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dry sherry
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 ounces Stilton cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1 Separate 3/4 cup of cauliflower florets and place them in a pan of boiling water. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse under cold water and set aside for garnish.
2 Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add celery, leek, onion, and garlic; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth, remaining cauliflower, potato, and sherry. Bring to a boil; simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until potatoes and cauliflower are tender. Remove from heat.
3 Purée cauliflower mixture in batches using a food processor or blender; transfer to a soup pot over medium-low heat. Season with white pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir in milk and cream, then crumble in Stilton cheese. Heat through, but do not boil.
4 Ladle into bowls, and garnish with reserved cauliflower pieces and chopped fresh parsley.