Cauliflower Soup With Hazelnuts and Bacon

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 10–12 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

   Step 2

   While the nuts are cooling, increase oven to 400°F. Toss cauliflower and 2 Tbsp. oil on another baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing once, until florets are browned all over and tender, 30–35 minutes.

   Step 3

   Meanwhile, cut bacon crosswise into 1/2" pieces. Heat a heavy pot over medium and cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, 10–12 minutes. Transfer to paper towels.

   Step 4

   Cook fennel, onion, and garlic in drippings in pot, stirring occasionally, until onion and fennel are very soft, 8–10 minutes. Add wine and cook until mostly evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add roasted cauliflower, broth, cream, and bay leaves; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until cauliflower is very tender, 20–25 minutes. Pluck out bay leaves; discard. Let mixture cool slightly.

   Step 5

   Working in batches, purée cauliflower mixture until very smooth. Strain back into pot; season with salt and pepper.

   Step 6

   Just before serving, ladle soup into bowls; top with bacon and nuts and drizzle with oil.

2. Do Ahead

   Step 7

   Soup can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill soup and bacon separately.