Creamy cauliflower and stilton soup is a luxurious yet comforting dish that pairs perfectly with a crisp winter evening. This recipe combines the mild, creamy texture of cauliflower with the rich flavor of blue cheese to create a delightful soup. Here’s how you can make it at home.
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#### Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for extra creaminess and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 ounces stilton cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
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#### Instructions:
1. **Preparation:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. **Sautéing:**
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
3. **Adding Broth and Cauliflower:**
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot with the onions. Bring to a boil.
- Add the baked cauliflower florets to the pot and simmer for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
4. **Blending:**
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a blender and puree it before returning it to the pot.
- Stir in the milk (or your chosen dairy-free alternative), nutritional yeast (if using), salt, and black pepper.
5. **Flavoring:**
- Add lemon juice for brightness and depth of flavor.
- Return the soup to a gentle simmer and let it heat through without boiling.
6. **Adding Stilton Cheese:**
- Stir in the crumbled stilton cheese until melted into the soup. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt completely.
7. **Serving:**
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
- Serve immediately while still warm.
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#### Tips:
- For a richer flavor, consider using half heavy cream instead of milk.
- To make it vegan, replace stilton cheese with cashew cream (blend soaked cashews with water) or another plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.
Enjoy your homemade creamy cauliflower and stilton soup, perfect for any meal or just a cozy night in!