Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Hazelnuts and Bacon

Photo credit: Chelsie Craig

adapted from Mark Filatow of Waterfront Wines in Kelowna, B.C.
via Richard and Marilyn Lonergan
preparation time: about 90 minutes overall
serves 6

½ cup blanched hazelnuts
1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into small florets
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 slices thick-cut bacon (about 4 ounces)
1 small fennel bulb, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
⅓ cup dry white wine or water
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
2 bay leaves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

While the nuts are cooling, increase oven to 400 degrees F. Toss cauliflower and 2 tablespoons of oil on another baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing once, until florets are browned all over and tender, 30 to 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut bacon crosswise into ½-inch pieces. Heat a heavy pot over medium and cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to paper towels.

Cook fennel, onion, and garlic in drippings in pot, stirring occasionally, until onion and fennel are very soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Add wine and cook until mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add roasted cauliflower, broth, cream, and bay leaves; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until cauliflower is very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Pluck out bay leaves; discard. Let mixture cool slightly.

Working in batches, purée cauliflower mixture until very smooth. Strain back into pot; season generously with salt and with pepper to taste.

Just before serving, ladle soup into bowls; top with bacon and nuts and drizzle with olive oil.

Do Ahead: Soup can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill soup and bacon separately.