CREAM OF CAULIFLOWER SOUP WITH SAUTéED WILD MUSHROOMS

Cream of cauliflower soup with sautéed wild mushrooms image

Gordon Ramsay's rich, warming soup is finished off with the luxurious touch of wild mushrooms

Provided by Gordon Ramsay

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1large cauliflower (about 1.3kg/3lb), stalks discarded and florets chopped
1large potato , peeled and chopped into large chunks
1medium onion , chopped
25g butter
4 tbsp olive oil
1.2l light chicken or vegetable stock
600ml full-fat milk
142ml carton double cream
250g wild mushroom - choose from ceps, girolles (chanterelles), morels (either a mixture or just one type)
1-2 tbsp finely snipped chives

Steps:

Put the cauliflower, potato and onion in a large saucepan with the butter and half of the oil. Gently heat the contents until they start to sizzle, then cover with a lid and sweat over a low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should be softened but not coloured.
Pour in the stock and bring to the boil, then pour in the milk and return gently to a boil. This way, there will be no scum forming from the milk. Season to taste then simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Pour in half the cream.
Blend everything in a food processor or blender, in batches. For an extra creamy texture, push the purée through a sieve with the back of a ladle. Stir in the rest of the cream. (If preparing ahead cool, cover and chill for up to a day.)
To serve, pick over the mushrooms. Wild mushrooms can be gritty so wash them quickly in a bowl of cold water then drain well and pat dry. Trim the stalks and chop or slice the mushrooms neatly. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan and, when very hot, stir fry the mushrooms quickly until nicely browned, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you cook them.
Reheat the soup until piping hot. Check for seasoning and ladle into warmed bowls. Spoon the mushrooms into the centre and sprinkle lightly with the chives. Italy's elegant, mildly citrussy whites, such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano, or a Chardonnay would suit this rich soup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calories, Fat 21 grams fat, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 14 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 9 grams protein, Sodium 0.77 milligram of sodium