Almond Soup

Almond Soup

Serves 5

ingredients :

225g/8oz blanched almonds, minced
3 egg yolks, hard-boiled
1.2 litres/2pt chicken stock
25g/1oz butter, softened
25g/1oz plain flour
125ml/4fl oz single cream
salt and freshky ground black pepper

1. Using a mortar and pestle, reduce egg yolks and 1 tablespoon of the stock. Set aside.

2. Make a beurre manie by working the butter and flour together into a smooth paste using a fork. Bring the remaining stock to a simmer in a heavy saucepan. Add the beurre manie in small knobs, whisking vigorously after each addition until completely dissolved. Whisk in the almond paste until smooth, then cook gently for 30 minutes.

3. Strain the soup through a sieve into a clean pan. Add the cream, and season with salt and pepper.

Reheat gently and serve.