Creamy Rice and Endive Soup

Ingredients

In the original Italian version, the Minestra di riso e indivia is typically made with Italian rice and seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. However, in this adapted version for the cuisine of Ceredigion, we will be using local ingredients such as Welsh rice and incorporating flavors that are commonly found in Ceredigion cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Minestra di riso e indivia, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (185g) Welsh rice 1 cup (185g) Welsh rice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 endives, chopped 2 endives, chopped
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped endives to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they start to wilt.
3. 3.
   Stir in the Welsh rice and coat it well with the onion, garlic, and endive mixture.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Creamy Rice and Endive Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Welsh rice — Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before using it to remove any excess starch and ensure a fluffy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors of the soup.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can reserve some of the cooked endive and add it back into the soup after blending.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Rice and Endive Soup in warm bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the soup and sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper. Serve it in elegant soup bowls to impress your guests.