The Mechanics of a Truly Silky Puree
Starch and Pectin Gelatinization
The Role of High-Shear Blending
Emulsifying Fat at the Finish
Passing Through a Fine-Mesh Sieve
Crafting Emerald Herb Oils That Do Not Oxidize
The Blanch and Shock Method
Blending and Gravity Straining
Three Velvety Puree Recipes and Pairings
Roasted Butternut Squash and Fennel with Sage-Tarragon Oil
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1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
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1/2 cup fresh tarragon leaves
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1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
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1 cup grapeseed oil
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1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and sliced (reserve fronds for garnish)
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1 medium yellow onion, chopped
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, smashed
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4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
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1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Golden Cauliflower and Leek with Chive-Parsley Oil
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1 large bunch fresh chives, roughly chopped
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1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
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1 cup mild extra-virgin olive oil
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1 large head white cauliflower, broken into small florets
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2 large leeks, white and pale green parts only, washed thoroughly and sliced thin
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1 small Yukon Gold potato, peeled and diced small
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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4 cups simmering vegetable stock or light poultry stock
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1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon white pepper
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Kosher salt to taste
Charred Carrot and Fresh Ginger with Cilantro-Scallion Oil
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1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
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1/2 cup sliced scallion greens
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1 cup light avocado oil
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2 pounds sweet carrots, scrubbed, peeled, and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
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1 medium yellow onion, sliced
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2 tablespoons peeled and finely grated fresh ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
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4 cups light vegetable stock or filtered water
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
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Kosher salt to taste
Plating and Textural Contrast
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Control temperatures: Ensure the soup is served steaming hot, while the herb oil is kept at room temperature. Cold oil pulled straight from the refrigerator will cool down the soup surface too quickly and congeal, dulling its aroma. Room-temperature oil floats lightly on top and releases its fragrance the moment it touches the hot broth.
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Vary the pour: To create clean pools of oil, hold a small spoon close to the surface and tip it gently. For fine, controlled lines or geometric dots, use a plastic squeeze bottle. If you prefer a marbled, rustic look, drag a skewer or the tip of a knife through the oil droplets.
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Add a crisp element: A smooth puree welcomes a light, crunchy garnish. Consider toasted pumpkin seeds on butternut squash soup, sourdough croutons fried in olive oil over cauliflower soup, or thinly sliced crispy shallots on top of carrot-ginger soup. Keep garnishes small and light so they float on the surface rather than sinking into the puree.
















