HEATHER'S CAULIFLOWER SOUP

 {OK, my photos aren't great of food - because we are always 1/2 through the meal before I remember to grab a photo ::snort:: my remarks and substitutions in the ()}

1 Tbsp oil of your choice (I use extra virgin Olive Oil)

1 small onion, chopped

1 leek, mostly white part, chopped (I used a few green onions)

4 cups cauliflower florets (about one large)

1 med. carrot, peeled & chopped
1 med. potato, peeled & chopped (I used 2)

4 to 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (depending on how thick you will want your soup)

Fresh ground black pepper, sea salt & cayenne pepper(I use 1/4 tsp) to taste

De added: 1 tsp thyme, 2 tsp of parsley, pinch of nutmeg and couldn't find cloves but was looking for about 1/2 tsp cloves (these are the spices I put in my homemade chicken stock and they sounded good to me LOL)

Sour Cream & fresh parsley (optional, for garnish & extra creaminess)

Saute over medium low heat, the onion & leek in oil in a large stock pot until tender & just golden.

Add cauliflower, potato, carrot, broth & seasonings & bring to a boil. Simmer until cauliflower & carrot are tender.

Either with an immersion blender or regular blender, puree mixture. Pour into bowls & serve with a small dollop of sour cream & a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you desire.

*** For a quicker, low fat version, omit oil & onions & add onion powder instead. Not quite as tasty, but still very good.***

De's notes: I've heard several say how good this soup is, and since we are fighting colds and don't want to eat it seemed like a good time to try it. I LOVE cream based soups and CHEESE in my soups...this one looks like it fits the bill, but doesn't have cream OR cheese in and was still good! LOL I added more spice. Jodi and I have talked about this and her theory is that I grew up in other cultures and so got used to other spices....more spices and different combinations than the typical American? Hmmm....maybe. I also didn't puree all the soup, because I like chunks....so I pureed about 1/2. This WAS very good! Definitely a keeper, thanks Heather.