Cauliflower and Pear Cream Soup
Ingredients: For 2 servings: 1/2 medium cauliflower, 2 firm autumn pears, 50-100 g of Brie cheese*, salt, freshly ground pepper directly on the plate, freshly grated nutmeg directly on the plate. Optional for serving: 1 pear, bacon, sour cream, croutons.
To prepare this delicious cauliflower and pear soup, start by bringing water or vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot. Make sure the liquid is enough to cover the ingredients. Add half a cauliflower, broken into small pieces, and a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors. Let the cauliflower boil over medium heat until it is half-cooked, meaning it becomes soft but not completely. This is the ideal time to introduce the pears, which should be peeled, but you can optionally leave the skin on, depending on your preferences. Cut the pears into pieces and remove the seeds. Add the pears to the pot and continue boiling until both the cauliflower and pears become very soft.
Once the vegetables are cooked, it's time to drain the liquid, leaving about an inch of broth at the bottom of the pot, along with the cooked cauliflower and pears. This will contribute to the creaminess of the soup. Use an immersion blender to puree the ingredients until you achieve a smooth cream-like consistency. If you used a blender, be careful not to burn yourself when transferring the cream back into the cooking pot. Once the cream is back in the pot, place it on very low heat and add the Brie cheese, peeled and cut into small pieces. Stir constantly to help the cheese melt evenly. Even if it doesn’t melt completely and some visible pieces remain, don’t worry, as the flavor will be exceptional.
Meanwhile, prepare the croutons to accompany the soup. In a baking tray, place slices of pear, either plain or wrapped in bacon, and cubes of bread for croutons. If you prefer, you can skip the bread, but the croutons add a very pleasant crunchy texture. Place the tray under the oven's broiler and activate it to brown the ingredients, making sure the bacon becomes crispy and golden.
Finally, serve the creamy soup in a deep bowl, garnishing with slices of pear, either with bacon or without, and add the croutons on top. This combination of flavors will create an unforgettable culinary experience, and the velvety texture of the soup alongside the crunchy croutons will delight any taste buds. Enjoy your meal!
