Paul Bertolli's Cauliflower Soup

submitted by Anonymous, originally from Paul Bertolli (of Chez Panisse and Oliveto)

Ingredients

 * 3 tablespoons olive oil
 * 1 medium onion (6 ounces), sliced thin
 * 1 head very fresh cauliflower (about 1-1/2 pounds), broken into florets
 * Salt, to taste
 * 5 1/2 cups water, divided
 * Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
 * Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

 * 1) Warm the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Sweat the onion in the olive oil over low heat without letting it brown for 15 minutes.
 * 2) Add the cauliflower, salt to taste, and 1/2 cup water. Raise the heat slightly, cover the pot tightly and stew the cauliflower for 15 to 18 minutes, or until tender. Then add another 4 1/2 cups hot water, bring to a low simmer and cook an additional 20 minutes uncovered.
 * 3) Working in batches, purée the soup in a blender to a very smooth, creamy consistency. Let the soup stand for 20 minutes. In this time it will thicken slightly.
 * 4) Thin the soup with 1/2 cup hot water. Reheat the soup. Serve hot, drizzled with a thin stream of extra-virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.