Sherried Onion and Almond Soup With Saffron

This is from The Onion Cookbook by Brian Glover. It is a perfect starter because it looks beautiful and has a delicate taste.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 40  g butter (3 tbsp)
• 2  large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1  small garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1  pinch saffron strand
• 50  g  blanched almonds, toasted and finely ground (2oz)
• 750  ml  good chicken  vegetable stock (3 cups)
• 45  ml dry sherry (3tbsp)
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 30  ml  sliced almonds, toasted and chopped (2tbsp)
•  fresh parsley (to garnish)

Directions

1. Melt the better in a heavy saucepan over a low heat to prevent it from burning. Add the onions and garlic, stirring frequently for 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the saffron and cook, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes. Add the ground almonds and cook, stirring continuously, for 2-3 minutes. Add the stock, sherry and 1 tsp salt and plenty of pepper. Bring it to the boil and then simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
3. Process the soup in a blender until smooth, then return it to the rinsed pan. Reheat slowly without allowing the soup to boil, stirring occasionally. Check the seasoning.
4. Ladle the soup into heated bowls, garnish with the toasted almonds and a little parsley and serve immediately.