Creamy Garlic-Bread Soup
Recipe Courtesy of Executive Chef Cal Stamenov, Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley CA
Serves 6
6 Each heads of Garlic 1 Each Onion, diced 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 Cup White Wine 1 Cup Water ½ Cup Cream 3 Each slices of White Bread, crusts removed Salt and Pepper, to taste
Separate and clean the heads of garlic. Place garlic cloves in a small pot with water and bring to a boil. Remove garlic and rinse under cool water. Repeat process 2 more times. On third blanch, keep garlic at a low simmer until cloves have softened. Bring olive oil to medium heat in a large saucepan. Add diced onions and cook until onions are translucent. Add garlic and white wine and heat until the mixture is reduced by half (approximately 15 minutes). Add water, cream and bread. Simmer an additional 15 minutes.Remove soup from stove and puree in batches. Strain through a fine sieve. Season with salt and pepper and adjust consistency with water. Garnish with extra virgin olive oil and croutons.
