Cream of cauliflower and almond

Cauliflower and Almond Cream Recipe

Hello! Today we are going to prepare a cream of cauliflower and almond, a dish creamy y healthy that combines the best of vegetables with a subtle touch of nuts. This soup is perfect for those looking for an option vegetarian, full of flavor and easy to make at home.

Preparation time

Knowing the timings for this recipe will help you organize better in the kitchen:

• Preparation: 20 minutes (not including hydration)
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 1 hour
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

To make the most of the flavor and texture of the almonds and sun-dried tomatoes, it is advisable to take into account the prior hydration times that we will explain.

Ingredients

For the cream

• 1 cauliflower medium
• 100 g raw almonds (previously hydrated)
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 leek, washed and chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 small bunch of parsley chopped
• 1 splash of white wine
• Water enough to cover the vegetables
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings

• 50 g sun-dried tomatoes, hydrated and chopped
• Thin slices of cauliflower and leek to brown
• Sweet paprika for sprinkling
• Fresh rosemary leaves

If you can't find raw almonds, you can use unsalted roasted almonds and soak them briefly; although ideally, they should be hydrated for at least 8 hours to prevent them from being hard in the mixture. For a different touch, check out this recipe for roasted vegetable casserole, which complements the creaminess of the cauliflower very well.

Utensils we will use

• Large pot or casserole
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Hand blender (or regular blender)
• Small frying pan
• Strainer
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Containers for soaking almonds and sun-dried tomatoes

If you don't have a hand blender, you can use a common blender or a food processor. The important thing is to achieve a smooth and creamy texture for the soup.

How to make cauliflower and almond cream

Preparation of almonds and sun-dried tomatoes

1. Almond hydration: Place the almonds in an airtight container and cover them with purified water. Change the water 2-3 times overnight and let them soak for about 8 hours to soften. This will help the cream become totally smooth and prevent lumps. If you're in a hurry, you can use them without hydrating, but the texture will change.
2. Sun-dried tomato care: Soak them in water for at least 2 to 3 hours until they double in size. Then drain them well. To intensify their flavor and maintain a good texture, drizzle them with olive oil and let them rest for 60 minutes before adding them to the final preparation.

Base sofrito for the cream

1. Poaching ingredients: In the pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped leek, chopped onion, and parsley. Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes until tender and translucent. This soft base is essential for the cream's flavor to be delicate and balanced.
2. Incorporate the white wine: Add a splash of white wine and let it reduce for about 5-7 more minutes. This enhances the flavor and removes the alcohol. The aroma it provides makes the cream richer without overpowering the dish.

Cooking the cream

1. Prepare the cauliflower and potato: Wash the cauliflower well and break it into small florets so it cooks faster. Peel and cut the potato into medium cubes to maintain a creamy texture and avoid lumps.
2. Add the vegetables and almonds: Incorporate the cauliflower, potato, and hydrated almonds into the sauté. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well so the ingredients are integrated.
3. Cover with water and cook: Add enough water to cover the vegetables and raise the heat until it boils. Taste for salt and correct if necessary. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, until the potato and cauliflower are soft. Cooking over medium-low heat prevents the texture from breaking down too much and helps maintain a clean flavor.

Texture and final finish

1. Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender, process the mixture until a creamy and homogeneous consistency is obtained. If you find it too thick, add a little more water until the desired consistency is reached. The texture should be dense but smooth, without large pieces remaining.
2. Brown the sun-dried tomatoes and vegetables for topping: Heat a few drops of olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped sun-dried tomatoes for 5-6 minutes, season with salt and pepper, and set aside. In the same pan, brown thin slices of cauliflower and leek on both sides until crispy and lightly golden, providing texture and contrast.

To finish and serve

Serve the cream of cauliflower and almond very hot. When plating, add the sun-dried tomatoes and the crispy cauliflower and leek mixture on top to add a touch of texture and flavor. Sprinkle a little sweet paprika and a few fresh rosemary leaves for an extra aroma. This dish is perfect accompanied by homemade bread or a light salad, such as the broccoli and carrot salad, which provides a fresh contrast.

Nutritional benefits of cauliflower and almond cream

The combination of ingredients in this recipe provides numerous health benefits thanks to the quality and nutritional profile of cauliflower and almonds, among other fresh ingredients. Here we break down some key elements:

Cauliflower: It is a cruciferous vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It promotes digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. It provides few calories but a lot of satiety.

Almonds: They are an excellent source of healthy fats, plant proteins, vitamin E, and minerals like magnesium and calcium. They contribute to cardiovascular health and keep skin healthy.

Potato and vegetables: They add complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and a balanced intake of micronutrients. By including leek, onion, and parsley, the antioxidant contribution and flavor are enhanced.

The creamy texture is achieved without adding saturated fats, making this soup a nutritious and light option within a balanced eating plan. It is also a suitable alternative for vegetarian or vegan diets.

This preparation offers a comforting yet simple taste experience, which does not prevent it from being a dish with high nutritional value, ideal for cold days or when a light and complete meal is desired.

Key aspects to achieve a perfect cauliflower and almond cream

For this soup to be truly memorable, there are several details to consider during preparation. Here they are explained with examples and practical tips:

1. Hydration of almonds: This step is fundamental to achieve a smooth texture, as unhydrated almonds can break the processing and leave a lumpy cream. If you don't have time, soaking them for at least an hour helps, but overnight is optimal.
2. Heat control when sweating vegetables: Sweating the onion, leek, and parsley over low heat with a lid allows them to soften without browning, maintaining their natural aroma and sweet flavor. Avoid high heat so it doesn't become bitter.
3. Seasoning just in time: Adding salt before cooking helps enhance the flavors, but it's important to adjust the final seasoning after tasting the soup once it has boiled, as it may need an extra touch.
4. Pace of water incorporation: Covering the vegetables with enough water ensures even cooking without being too liquid or too dry. Adding more water during blending allows you to adjust the texture to your particular taste.
5. Prepare toppings for contrast: Sun-dried tomatoes and browned vegetables not only add flavor but also provide a crunchy texture, preventing the dish from being monotonous and offering a pleasant sensation with every spoonful.

Ideal occasions to enjoy cauliflower and almond cream

This recipe is very versatile and fits well at different times. Due to its comforting texture and mild flavor, it is ideal as a first course in family meals, especially during autumn and winter when a hot soup is desired. It is also a good option for light and nutritious dinners, helping to release tension after a long day.

Furthermore, its profile vegetarian and the use of accessible ingredients make it attractive for conscious, balanced, and flavorful eating. Don't hesitate to prepare it to welcome guests and share a healthy, homemade meal.

Explanatory video for a step-by-step cauliflower and almond cream

Seeing a visual process can be a great help in perfecting the technique. Here is a complete and simple demonstration that follows the essence of this recipe. You will be able to observe the correct way to poach, cook the vegetables, and achieve the creamy texture that characterizes this soup.

This audiovisual support complements the text very well for those who prefer to learn by watching each step.

How to combine this cream with other dishes for a balanced menu

This cream stands out for its texture and flavor, but it can be the perfect start to a varied menu. Being light and nutritious, it pairs well with heartier dishes or with fresh elements:

• Fresh salads with light vinaigrettes, such as steamed vegetables with vinaigrette, to provide a tangy and crunchy touch.
• Protein dishes such as a pork loin with mash and sauce, if you are looking for a more complete meal.
• Artisan bread or homemade focaccia for dipping and enjoying with the cream.

With these combinations, you will provide a variety of textures and flavors while maintaining a balance between energy and nutrients, promoting digestion and enjoyment.

Common mistakes when preparing cauliflower and almond cream and how to avoid them

In the kitchen, small details can alter an excellent result. Here are the most frequent errors with this recipe and their practical solution to ensure the cream turns out perfect:

1. Not hydrating the almonds: It can leave the cream grainy and hard. The solution is to plan ahead and soak them for at least 8 hours so they are soft and easy to blend.
2. Browning the vegetables over high heat: The sofrito can burn and make the dish bitter. Cooking over low or medium-low heat, using a lid, ensures the vegetables are tender and sweet.
3. Adding too little water for cooking: Creates a cream that is too dense, which can be difficult to whisk or feel heavy. Use enough water to cover well and then adjust the texture at the end.
4. Skipping the step of browning the toppings: You lose a fundamental contrast of texture and flavor. Take a moment to toast sun-dried tomatoes and cauliflower; it will enrich the experience.
5. Not tasting or adjusting salt: It is essential to wait until almost the end to correct the seasoning. Taste before blending and adjust if necessary.