Puree of Sunchoke Soup with Pickled Red Radishes and Country Bread Croutons

• 2 bunches red radishes, trimmed
• 1 cup Champagne vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 oz. country bread, cubed (3 cups)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, sliced ( 1/2 cup)
• 1 lb. sunchokes or Jerusalem artichokes, peeled and sliced (3 1/2 cups)
• 1 pinch sugar

1. To make Pickled Radishes: Place radishes in large heat-proof bowl.
2. Bring vinegar, sugar, and 2 cups water to a boil in saucepan.
3. Pour vinegar mixture over radishes, and cool to room temperature.
4. Slice radishes into thin rounds.
5. To make Croutons: Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.
6. Add bread; cook, stirring occasionally, 7 to 10 minutes, or until browned and crispy.
7. Drain on paper-towel-lined plate.
8. To make Sunchoke Soup: Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat.
9. Add onion, and saute 3 to 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
10. Add sunchokes, sugar, and 5 cups water.
11. Season with salt, if desired.
12. Simmer 30 to 35 minutes, or until sunchokes are very soft.
13. (At this point the liquid should be reduced by about half.)
14. Remove from heat, and puree in food processor or using handheld blender until smooth.
15. Strain through fine-mesh strainer.
16. Pour warm soup into bowls, and garnish with Pickled Radishes and Croutons.

red radishes, vinegar, sugar, olive oil, country bread, olive oil, onion, artichokes, sugar

Taken from www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/puree-of-sunchoke-soup-with-pickled-red-radishes-and-country-bread-croutons/ (may not work)