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Cauliflower Hazelnut Soup

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup hazelnuts, blanched
  • 2 pounds cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
  • kosher salt
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 4 oz thick cut bacon about 4 slices
  • 1 fennel bulb, chopped
  • 2 leeks, white parts, chopped
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • cup dry white wine
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 10–12 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
  • Increase oven to 400 F. Toss cauliflower and 2 Tbsp. oil on another baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing once, until florets are browned all over and tender, 30–35 minutes
  • Cut bacon crosswise into 1/2" pieces. Heat a heavy pot over medium and cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, 10–12 minutes. Transfer to paper towels.
  • Cook fennel,leeks, onion, and garlic in drippings in pot, stirring occasionally, until onion and fennel are very soft, 8–10 minutes. Add wine and cook until mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes
  • Add roasted cauliflower, broth, cream, and bay leaves; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until cauliflower is very tender, 20–25 minutes. Pluck out bay leaves; discard. Let mixture cool slightly.Working in batches, purée cauliflower mixture until very smooth. Strain back into pot; season with salt and pepper.Just before serving, ladle soup into bowls; top with bacon and nuts and drizzle with oil