Microwave Sweet Cauliflower Soup
Ready in Twenty Minutes
Sweet Cauliflower Soup | Dara O’Brien
By Dara O’Brien
Creative Director, Lake Isle Press
Sometimes things are so simple you look past them.
Like when I made this recipe for Sweet Cauliflower Soup from Machiko Chiba’s book, “The Cook-Zen Way to Eat” published by Lake Isle Press. I was so pleased that I had all the ingredients on hand—including just the right amount of heavy cream—and that it was a simple meal I would microwave in my Cook-Zen pot, that I forgot the last two ingredients.
All was not lost, however. I didn’t eat the soup right away, and because I reviewed the recipe before reheating, I was able to add the bouillon and sugar in time, along with a squeeze of lemon because I still tasted a hint of bitterness. And there you have it. In just about twenty minutes I microwaved a tasty soup from scratch. There was no consequence for my carelessness.
If only that were true for aspects of life. If it were, we would never get lost, miss a train, misplace a scarf, or say something we regret.
But the fact is, we don’t pay enough attention a lot of the time. Things go right past us more often than not. Thus, it does not surprise me when I neglect to add ingredients or miss a step in a recipe. Sadly, I do that with stunning regularity (though increasingly less, I hope).
I might add the full amount of oil from the list of ingredients to the bowl when some should have been reserved for the pan; perhaps begin preparation for a dish only to discover I don’t have one pivotal spice; or fail to bring ingredients to room temperature as specified before adding them. And, of course, I could easily forget to add ingredients altogether—even after reading the whole recipe before starting and believing that my mise en place is good to go.
I am, I guess, a product of my times: bombarded with more information than I can take in, spoiled by instant gratification, and distracted by seemingly endless choice. Consideration and deliberation fly out of the window.
The downside of inattention is made manifest when we cook. Cooking is, after all, a science that can at times be quite exacting. I’ve made enough mistakes in recipes that are of necessity quite specific to have found myself scrambling to prevent or mitigate disaster way too many times.
Which is why I read this recipe one more time. See, I’m learning.
Sweet Cauliflower Soup Recipe for the Microwave
Click here for printable recipe.
2 servings | Cook Time: 21 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 small head cauliflower (about ¼ pound)
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
½ Cook-Zen cup water
1 Cook-Zen cup heavy cream
⅔ Cook-Zen cup milk
2 teaspoons grated bouillon cube, any flavor
Pinch of sugar
PREPARATION
Chop the cauliflower into florets. Place the florets in the Cook-Zen, cover, and heat on medium-high for 10 minutes with the steam holes set to “close.” Remove the cauliflower from the Cook-Zen and set aside to cool.
Place the butter and onion inside the Cook-Zen. Cover and heat on medium-high for 3 minutes with the steam holes set to “close.”
Place the cauliflower and onion in a food processor and blend until smooth. Place the cauliflower mixture and remaining ingredients in the Cook-Zen. Mix well, cover, and heat on medium-high for 4 to 5 minutes with the steam holes set to “close.”
THE COOK-ZEN POT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH AMAZON.COM
Recipe from “The Cook-Zen Way to Eat: Microwaving Healthy and Delicious Meals in Minutes” by Machiko Chiba, Lake Isle Press, 2010
The Cook-Zen Microwave Pot
Sweet Cauliflower Soup Recipe for the Microwave
from “The Cook-Zen Way to Eat: Microwaving Healthy and Delicious Meals in Minutes”
by Machiko Chiba, Lake Isle Press, 2010
In THE COOK-ZEN WAY TO EAT: Microwaving Healthy and Delicious Meals in Minutes, the follow-up to THE COOK-ZEN COOKBOOK (also Lake Isle Press), Machiko Chiba has returned with more incredible Cook-Zen recipes made in minutes. From international favorites such as Asian-Style Spareribs, Thai Green Curry Chicken, and Steak Teriyaki, to all-American classics such as Chili Con Carne, Classic Mashed Potatoes, and Barbecued Beans—entire meals can be made in just one pot. Whether you wish to entertain with Scallop Pilaf and Mussels Steamed with Wine and Garlic or have an easy night in with a bowl of Corn Chowder, you’ll find the perfectly simple and healthy solution in THE COOK-ZEN WAY TO EAT.
Featuring many inspiring and elegant photographs plus simple step-by-step instructions for how to use the Cook-Zen, Machiko Chiba’s microwave cook pot. Its patented design locks in moisture and distributes heat evenly, producing dishes you’d never dream of making in a microwave. Like a pressure cooker, the Cook-Zen pot reduces cooking times to mere minutes for healthy, delicious meals made simply and quickly.
ALSO FROM THE COOK-ZEN WAY TO EAT:
Japanese Beef Rice Bowl (Gyudon)
Microwave Thai Green Curry Chicken
Pork and Vegetable Stew
Potatoes in Spicy Green Chili Sauce
Steak Teriyaki
Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Onions