On New Year's Day, it's a tradition for some to eat black-eyed peas with collard greens for good luck. Others have cabbage to ensure a prosperous year ahead. I can't really say one works better than the other. My take is to just play it safe and get your fill of both. You're on your own for the black-eyed peas, but we've got you covered with the cabbage.
This one features Roquefort--the king of cheeses--which "blues" or matures after six weeks in the super humid caves of France's Combalou Mountain. Roquefort has had a long list of admirers through the centuries. Some have said "dinner without Roquefort is like a woman missing her eye," while Casanova claimed it "had the power to restore love and bring maturity to a budding love." Not bad for a stinky cheese, huh?
That's right, with this fromage, a little goes a long way. It's really up to you how much you put in. I give a general guideline below, but I usually go for the full 1/2 cup. That may be too strong for some. Not to mention the flavors gain a little potency after refrigerating the soup overnight. Another option is to put the 1/4 cup in as directed and then garnish the top of each individual bowl with additional cheese to taste.
Note: Kale is a variety of cabbage.
Blue Luck Soup
Serves 2-4
1/4 cup butter
6 scallions, green part only
5 cups chopped cabbage or kale
3 cups cauliflower, chopped
1 cup arugula or water cress, chopped (optional)4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup Roquefort cheese, crumbled
6 twists freshly ground pepper
4 pinches course salt
1. Melt butter in a stockpot.
2. Add chopped scallions and chopped cabbage to butter and toss until evenly coated. Cook, over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Chop cauliflower and add to pot. Add chicken broth. Three twists of pepper, 2 pinches of salt and stir. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Chop arugula and add to pot. Stir in cream and Roquefort cheese, along with three more twists of pepper and two more pinches of salt. Season additionally as needed.
5. Enjoy with a garnish of chopped arugula and/or Roquefort crumbles.
Happy holidays! Here's to a great 2007!
Labels: cheese, vegetarian-option
