Alice Waters' Spicy Cauliflower Soup

Photo: Philp Friedman / Studio D

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Recipe courtesy of Alice Waters' The Art of Simple Food.

This is an unusually spicy and full-flavored cauliflower soup; if necessary, adjust the pungent spices to your comfort level.

SERVINGS
Makes 2 quarts; 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, peeled and diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon chile powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon dried chile flakes
Salt
Fresh-ground black pepper
6 cilantro sprigs, coarsely chopped
1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed of green leaves and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups)
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups water

For garnish:
Yogurt
Chopped cilantro or mint
A squeeze of lime juice

PREPARATION
1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add the onion, carrot, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, chile powder, turmeric, chile flakes, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring often, over medium heat.

2. When very soft but not browned, add the cilantro sprigs, cauliflower, chicken broth, and water. Raise the heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is very tender, about 30 minutes.

3. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk to coarsely purée the soup. You may need to add more broth or water to thin the soup if it is too thick.

4. Taste, adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve hot. Garnish each serving with yogurt, cilantro or mint, and a squeeze of lime juice.

VARIATIONS
For a richer soup, use all chicken broth.
For a lighter, vegetarian soup, use all water.

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