Keep warm with our hearty cauliflower soup that can be decanted into a flask for a car or train journey. Top with the croutons before serving
Prep:15 mins
Serves 6 – 8
1 cauliflower (about 1kg)1 tbsp olive oil1 onion, finely chopped2 celery sticks, finely chopped1 garlic clove, crushedsmall handful of thyme1 large potato (about 340g), cut into chunks500ml milk600ml vegetable stock100g mature cheddar, grated
STEP 1Trim the cauliflower and discard any wilted leaves, then roughly chop the florets, stalk and remaining leaves. Heat the oil in a large, deep saucepan over a medium heat, tip in all the cauliflower pieces, the onion, celery, garlic, thyme and a large pinch of salt, cover partially with a lid and cook for 15-20 mins until all the vegetables have softened.STEP 2Tip in the potatoes, milk and stock, and bring to a simmer. Season well with black pepper, then continue to simmer for 15-20 mins, partially covered, until everything is fall-apart tender. Remove from the heat and discard the thyme. Blitz until smooth using a hand blender, then return to a low heat and stir in the cheese until fully melted. Season and add a splash more stock or milk if it’s too thick. Will keep chilled for up to three days, or frozen for two months. If travelling, decant into a heatproof flask.STEP 3To make the croutons, heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Tip all the ingredients onto a large baking tray and toss together using your hands. Season and bake for 15-17 mins until golden. Leave to cool completely on the tray. Will keep in an airtight container for up to three days. Sprinkle a handful of croutons over the soup or into the flask just before serving.
