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Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon
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Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon is a comforting, velvety soup that blends tender cauliflower and sweet leeks with a smoky crunch of crispy bacon. This soul-warming dish is easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, packed with nutritious ingredients, and perfect for cozy dinners or elegant starters.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 large leeks, washed, trimmed, and thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

Meat

  • 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, sliced into small pieces

Liquids and Dairy

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and trim the leeks, then slice them thinly for even cooking. Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and mince the garlic cloves finely. Slice the bacon into small pieces to ensure they crisp up nicely.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot to enhance the soup’s flavor.
  3. Sauté Leeks and Garlic: Add the sliced leeks and minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté until soft, translucent, and slightly caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness.
  4. Simmer Cauliflower and Broth: Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the cauliflower is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Puree until completely smooth and creamy. Return the soup to the pot if needed.
  6. Add Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream or crème fraîche. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Warm gently over low heat, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling. Fold in fresh thyme and parsley for brightness.
  7. Serve with Crispy Bacon: Ladle the soup into bowls and generously sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top for added crunch and smoky flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality thick-cut or smoked bacon for better texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook the leeks; they should be soft but not mushy to maintain subtle sweetness.
  • Blend the soup carefully in batches to avoid hot splashes and achieve a perfectly smooth texture.
  • Render and use the bacon fat for sautéing the leeks and garlic to add smoky richness.
  • Add cream gradually to adjust the soup’s thickness and creaminess to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower soup, leek soup, creamy soup, crispy bacon, comforting soup, easy soup recipe, gluten free soup

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/creamy-cauliflower-and-leek-soup-with-crispy-bacon/