Grilled cauliflower soup
- 1 medium cauliflower, about (850g), broken into florets
- 350g onions, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp rosemary sprigs
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp flour
- 900ml semi-skimmed milk
- 500ml low-salt chicken or vegetable stock
- 125g mature cheese, finely grated
- 1 tsp paprika
- Ground black pepper
In a large saucepan heat the oil and stir in the onion and cauliflower, garlic and rosemary. Cook, stirring, for at least 10 minutes, or until the onion is very soft and a golden colour.
Stir in the flour, milk and chicken stock. Season and bring to the boil.
Cover and simmer gently for about 30-35 mins or until the cauliflower is very soft.
Cool the soup a little then puree in a blender or processor. Return the soup to the rinsed pan and reheat gently. Dilute, if necessary, with a little extra stock and season.
Turn the grill onto high and place the bowls in a roasting tin. Stir 50g grated cheese into the soup and ladle into shallow heatproof soup bowls (the bowls need to be quite full).
Sprinkle the reserved cheese and a little paprika over the soup.
Boil a kettle of water and pour the hot water into the roasting tin around the base of the bowls. Using oven gloves, carefully lift the roasting pan under the grill and cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbling.
Carefully remove the roasting tin from the grill and lift the bowls out. Gently wipe dry and garnish with rocket leaves if you want.
Serve the soup with warm crusty bread or cheese scones.