Safron Cauliflower Soup with Persillade
(from Lucianolinda’s recipe box)
Source: Kelly Brant-Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Serves 6 peopleCategories: Soups
Ingredients
- 2 small heads cauliflower
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 8 cups jasmine rice
- 1 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning blend
- 1/2 cup diced plum tomatoes
- 1 tsp. saffron threads
- 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1 Tbsp. freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
Directions
- Remove and discard outer leaves from the cauliflowers. Using a paring knife, cut around and remove the cores. Remove and discard the outer fibrous layers. Thinly slice the cores and set aside. Cut cauliflower heads into 1-to-2-inch chunks. Set aside.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. of the oil in a large stockpot over high heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Add the cauliflower, 1 tsp. of the salt and the pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the stock, rice and Old Bay and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the cauliflower is fork-tender, about 12 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes. using a potato masher, mash cauliflower in the pot until mixture has a rice-like consistency. Stir in the saffron and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the persillade. Mound the parsley, lemon zest and garlic on a cutting board and using a chef’s knife, chop mixture until it has paste-like consistency. Transfer to a small bowl. Season with the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish each with a sprinkling of persillade.