GREEN GRUEL WITH EYEBALLS

Green Gruel with Eyeballs image

Provided by Matthew Mead

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 1/2 pounds broccoli, tops chopped into 1/2-inch florets; stalks chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
3 shallots, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
6 hard-cooked eggs, peeled
6 pitted black olives
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli stems, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; cook, stirring, until the shallots are tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Add the broth, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, until the broccoli stalks are tender and the liquid almost evaporated. Remove from the heat, add the cheese, and toss to combine. Working in batches, transfer to a blender and purée until smooth.
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the florets and cook for 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking.
4. Cut a notch in the side of each egg and press an olive into it. Heat broccoli purée over medium heat until just warmed through, 5 minutes. Stir in the florets and the remaining butter. Spoon the gruel into individual soup bowls and top each with an egg eye; serve immediately.