17/01/2025
Brocolli and Toasted Walnut Soup
Seasons first produce of Brocolli from the kitchen garden was celebrated with a heart warming soup last evening.
Brocolli florets and stems : 250 grams
Coriander stems : 2 tbsp
Coriander leaves : first ful
Ginger, scraped and chopped : 1 TSP
Garlic, chopped : 1 heaped tbsp
Onion, chopped : 1 medium
Green chilli, deseeded : 1
Olive oil : 1 tbsp
Butter : 1 tbsp
Bayleaf : 1
Cinnamon : 2" stick
Cloves : 2
Peppercorns : 4-5
Salt : 1 & 1/2 TSP
White pepper powder : 1/2 tsp
Butter, for garnish : 1 tsp
Crushed black pepper, for garnish : 1/4 tsp
Toasted Walnuts, for garnish : 2 tbsp
• Wash brocolli florets, cut stems and peel off outer fibrous layer.
• Heat oil and butter in a heavy bottomed pan.
• Add bayleaf, cinnamon, cloves, pepper corns and saute to lightly crackle for a minute.
• Add garlic and green chilli, stir for 30 seconds.
• Add onions and ginger and saute for 2-3 minutes.
• Add brocolli, coriander stems and coriander leaves and saute and toss for 2-3 minutes.
• Top with 500 mls water and let boil. Skim off any scum that rises. Let boil till brocolli stems are tender. Do not cover while booking. Take off heat and let cool.
• Blitz to puree in a high speed and then strain through a wire mesh sieve.
• Return the puree to cooking pot and put on the flame. Add 1.2 litres hot water and bring to a rapid boil and then simmer for 10-12 minutes.
• Add salt and white pepper, mix well and let cook for another 2-3 minutes on low flame.
• Meanwhile, heat a griddle, toast walnuts without burning them to chat, they should get just a little color and become somewhat crunchy when cool, chop them up and retain to garnish.
• The soup can be tasted and seasoning adjusted before pouring out, top with a blob of butter, some crushed pepper and a teaspoon of crushed walnuts.
Serve steaming hot in these winters for an exemplary experience of warmth and good taste couple with nutrition.
PS : Recipe is good for 6 cups of about 180-200 ml each