HUNGARIAN CAULIFLOWER SOUP

Hungarian Cauliflower Soup image

Provided by Marsha Gardner

Number Of Ingredients 12

ham bone
water to cover
3 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
2 medium onions, chopped
4-5 large carrots, peeled and cubed
4 celery ribs, diced
1 bay leaf
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 qt milk
4 Tbsp flour or cornstarch mixed with some of the milk to make a slurry
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
paprika and fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Steps:

1. Put ham bone in a large Dutch oven and cover with water. Saute` onions, carrots and celery in olive oil. Add to ham bone and water along with a bay leaf. Simmer a couple of hours or until meat is falling off the bone.
2. Remove ham bone from pot and allow to cool. Meanwhile add the cauliflower to broth and simmer until tender.
3. Add the ham pieces back to broth. Make a slurry with milk and flour or cornstarch. Stir into simmering broth. Add milk and allow to thicken. Adjust seasonings.
4. Garnish with paprika and fresh parsley. If there isn't as much ham as you would like I buy a package of cubed ham and add just til it is just heated through as ham is already cooked.