CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND APPLES

Cauliflower Soup with Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Apples image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups cauliflower florets (from about 1 small head)
1/2 white onion, coarsely chopped
2 sprigs fresh lemon thyme, plus 1 teaspoon leaves for garnish
1 1/2 quarts whole milk
Kosher salt
Extra-virgin olive oil, for frying
6 to 7 Brussels sprouts, leaves separated
Fleur de sel
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
Cracked black pepper
1 pink lady apple
Smoked extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps:

Place the cauliflower florets in a large pot with the onion, thyme sprigs and milk. Slowly bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Season with kosher salt, cover and simmer until the cauliflower is soft, 25 to 30 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs. Transfer the cauliflower mixture to a blender and puree until completely smooth. Taste and season with salt.
Fill a medium saucepan with 2 to 3 inches of olive oil and heat to 350 degrees F. Fry the Brussels sprout leaves a few at a time until browned, 30 to 40 seconds. Drain on paper towels and season with fleur de sel.
To serve, scoop the apple into balls with a Parisian scoop or small melon baller. Or, just dice the apple if a scoop is unavailable. Ladle the soup into shallow bowls or small shot glasses or espresso cups and garnish with the fried Brussels sprout leaves. Sprinkle with the chives, lemon thyme leaves, apple balls and season with fleur de sel and cracked black pepper. Drizzle with the smoked olive oil.