Roast Cauliflower and Cashew Soup Recipe by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Deliciously Creamy Roast Cauliflower and Cashew Soup Recipe

“This is a deliciously creamy white soup, packed with lots of lovely alliums (leek, onion, garlic), which get roasted with the cauli,” says Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

If you have time, leave the cashews to soak for a few hours to soften – they’ll blend to a smoother finish.

“The garlic topping is a great addition and can be made ahead, but it’s by no means essential.”

Ingredients:

• 100g cashew nuts
• 1.2–1.5 litres hot vegetable stock
• 1 large cauliflower (about 1.5kg), trimmed and cut into small florets, leaves kept
• 2 leeks, trimmed and cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 3 celery sticks, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp oil or melted fat
• 5 sprigs of thyme, leaves picked
• Sea salt and black pepper

Garlic Oil Topping:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
• 2 tbsp sunflower or pumpkin seeds (or a mix)
• A pinch of dried chilli flakes

To Finish:

• A small handful of chives, finely chopped, and/or parsley

Method:

1. Put the cashews into a bowl, pour on 1.2 litres hot stock and leave to soak for at least an hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas 5.
3. Put the cauliflower florets into a large roasting tray, along with their roughly chopped leaves. Add all the other veg and the cumin seeds. Add the oil or fat, season well with salt and pepper and toss the veg to coat lightly.
4. Transfer the roasting tray to the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes until all the veg are tender and golden.
5. In the meantime, make the topping. Put the extra virgin olive oil into a small saucepan with the garlic, seeds, chilli flakes and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until the garlic starts to turn pale golden. Pour the garlicky oil into a bowl and leave to infuse.
6. Blend the roasted vegetables, thyme leaves, and soaked cashew nuts until smooth. Reheat the soup gently without boiling, adding more stock if needed.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the garlic oil, chopped chives, and/or parsley.