Topping
Margot's Morsels Killer Garlic, to taste
Soup
2 heads of broccoli cut into florets and stems
2-1/2 cups cauliflower florets
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion
1 small carrot, peeled and sliced
1 finely chopped shallot
2 finely minced garlic cloves
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh
1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2/3 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
2 heaping teaspoons of dijon mustard
8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Cut broccoli stems into 1/2 inch pieces to yield 1-1/2 cups. Then, cut broccoli florets into pieces to yield 3 cups. Set aside separately if you want to keep some of the florets as whole pieces in the soup. Do the same with the cauliflower.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, garlic, shallot and thyme. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent. Stir 1 tablespoon broth and cornstarch in a small bowl, then add cornstarch mix and rest of stock to the Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add broccoli stems and all cauliflower to mixture, return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. This is where you can add the broccoli florets since they cook more quickly. Stir until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat.
This is where you can take some of the broccoli and cauliflower florets out with a slotted spoon and set them aside to add to the smooth soup at the end for added texture.
In a blender or food processor, add vegetables, cream or coconut milk, and mustard, and blend until smooth. Stir pureed vegetables into the Dutch oven with the remaining broth. Let simmer over medium heat while adding the cheese 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly until creamy. Taste before adding any salt and pepper. This is where you can add your withheld vegetables.
Serve with Margot's Morsels Killer Garlic and fresh thyme if you have it. Warming lunch or dinner with a crisp salad.
Tip: To thicken your soup even more, add Margot's Morsels to the blender or food processor\ with the vegetables.