Dehydrator Cream of Broccoli Soup

This appealing soup can be made with dried cauliflower instead of dried broccoli. You can serve it either hot or chilled, as a first course, or even as a main course. You might consider adding dried Swiss chard and spinach leaves - about 1/4 cup each - to lend a nice greeness to the color and tanginess of the soup. This recipe doubles very successfully. Adapted from the "Mary Bell's Complete Dehydrator Cookbook". Prep time includes dehydrator drying time for vegetables.

• Ready In: 10 hrs 40 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  cup  dried broccoli, pieces
• 1⁄4 cup dried mushroom
• 1⁄4 cup  dried shredded carrot
• 1  tablespoon  dried celery powder
• 1  tablespoon  dried onion, pieces
• 1  teaspoon  dried bell pepper, pieces
• 1  teaspoon  chopped garlic
• 1  teaspoon  crushed dried chives
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2  cups  chicken stock
• 2  cups hot water
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
• 1  tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1  tablespoon dry sherry
•  salt & pepper

Directions

1. To dry broccoli: Soak the head for 30 minutes in a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts water first which will force any worms in the vegetable to float to the surface. Trim the broccoli head, remove any yellow bud clusters, and cut the florets from the stems. If desired, peel the tough outer skin from the stems with a vegetable peeler and cut the stems crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Water-boil blanch the broccoli stems for 2 to 3 minutes or steam-blanch for 3-5 minutes. Dry the florets and stems separately. Broccoli leaves can also be dried, then pulverized and used as a flavoring agent, much like celery powder. Dry for 8 to 10 hours in dehydrator.
2. In a soup kettle, combine the first 9 ingredients with the chicken stock and the water. Let sit for at least 1 hour to rehydrate.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the soup, adding a little more water if necessary, for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender. (If desired, let the soup cool and puree half of it to achieve a smoother consistency. Add the puree back to the kettle).
4. In a small bowl, stir together the milk, heavy cream, and flour until smooth. Stir in the sherry. Whisk the mixture into the hot soup base, and over low heat simmer the soup, stirring often, for 5 to 10 minutes until thick. Add additional milk if needed. Season the soup with salt and pepper, and serve.