Brussels sprout soup with a cheesy crouton

Some people might find it hard to believe that Brussels sprouts soup could possibly be nice.  This recipe will prove them wrong.  It is a delicious winter soup.  It is made particularly interesting by serving with a cheesy crouton floating on top.  The cheese can be Parmesan, Emmental, cheddar or something similar.

Preparation Time: 10 Mins

Cooking Time: 20 Mins

Total Time: 30 Mins

Ingredients

For 4 servings…

450 gms          Brussels sprouts  - trimmed     

170 cl              Stock  - strong        

                     Pepper  - freshly ground, black 

                     Salt          

1 tsp               Lemon peel  - grated 

4 slices            Toast       

70 gms            Cheese  - hard, grated

Method

Poach the sprouts in the until quite tender – about 15 minutes – and then liquidise them.  Correct the seasoning and stir in the lemon peel.

Scatter the pieces of toast with the cheese and slip under a brisk grill until cheese bubbles and browns.

Re-heat the soup.  When very hot, pour it into soup bowls.  Float a cheesy toast on each one.  Serve.

Wine recommendations

A red or white wine.

Conventional

     Beaujolais Villages

     Mâcon

Interesting

     Côtes du Luberon blanc

     Côtes du Rhône

     Lirac blanc