Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Cheese and Thyme Straws paired with a velvety Curried Cauliflower Soup! This British-inspired dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a comforting hug for your taste buds. Imagine golden, flaky cheese straws that perfectly complement the rich, aromatic flavors of a creamy soup. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet night in, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 100g grated cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- For the cheese straws, roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape approximately 3mm thick.
- Sprinkle grated cheese and dried thyme evenly across the pastry surface, gently pressing the cheese into the dough.
- Cut the pastry into long, thin strips about 1cm wide using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Twist each pastry strip and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each straw.
- Whisk the egg and brush each cheese straw with egg wash to ensure golden browning.
- Bake cheese straws for 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
- For the soup, heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté diced onions until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and curry powder, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release aromatics.
- Add chopped cauliflower and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with a cheese straw served alongside or crumbled on top.
Tips
- Perfect Puff Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold before rolling it out; this helps achieve that flaky texture we all love. If it gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick in your cheese straws.
- Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges when cutting the pastry. This will help the cheese straws bake evenly and look more appealing.
- Soup Consistency: For a creamier soup, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk after blending. Adjust the thickness by adding more or less vegetable broth based on your preference.
- Garnish Ideas: Enhance the presentation by garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and don’t forget to crumble some extra cheese straw on top for added texture.
- Make Ahead: Both the cheese straws and soup can be prepared in advance. Store the straws in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
