Leviton's Cauliflower Vichyssoise

• STAFF-FAVORITE

Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 2 large leeks, white and tender green parts, thinly sliced
3. One 2-pound cauliflower, cut into large florets
4. 6 cups water
5. 1/3 cup crème fraîche
6. Salt and freshly ground white pepper
7. 2 tablespoons finely diced peeled cucumber
8. 2 tablespoons minced chives
9. 1 tablespoon minced shallot
10. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
11. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
12. 4 Wellfleet oysters, shucked, liquor reserved
13. Osetra caviar (optional)

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the leeks and cook over low heat until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the cauliflower and water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until the cauliflower is soft, about 35 minutes. Add the crème fraîche, bring back to a simmer and remove from the heat.
2. Puree the soup in a blender in batches until very smooth. Season with salt and pepper and chill thoroughly.
3. Just before serving, combine the cucumber, chives, shallot, vinegar and olive oil in a small bowl. Ladle the cold soup into 4 shallow bowls and spoon an oyster and some of its liquor into the center of each. Spoon the cucumber mixture around the oysters, top with a dollop of osetra caviar and serve.