Winter White Soup

1 . Stage

Heat butter and olive oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in garlic, shallots, and ginger; cook and stir until fragrant but not brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in cauliflower, mushrooms, green onions, and parsnip; cook and stir for an additional 5 minutes. Add pear, beans, dill, and mustard; stir just until heated through, about 1 minute.

2 . Stage

Stir in wine and thyme; increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and simmer until wine is reduced by half and is syrupy, about 5 minutes. Pour in chicken broth; return to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered, until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Allow soup to cool slightly.

3 . Stage

Fill a blender halfway with soup. Cover and hold the lid down with a potholder; pulse a few times before leaving on to blend. Pour into a pot. Repeat with remaining soup.

4 . Stage

Stir in cream and, if needed, thin with additional chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper; serve hot.