CAULIFLOWER SOUP

Rich, creamy, comfort food at its best. 

You've gotta love the Pioneer Woman! She's funny, energetic, and great at marketing herself, however I rarely make her recipes. They usually have too much cream or butter or sugar for me. They always sound delicious but I prefer a healthier diet. When Ree posted this on her blog I saved it. I tried not to make this soup...1 stick of butter, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup 1/2 and  1/2,  oh so sinful, but after an afternoon BBQ at one of our favorite wineries I thought a small bowl of soup would be perfect. My will power had been weakened. This soup fit the bill, and even though it's not low calorie, it is delicious and rich, and a small bowl was plenty.

CAULIFLOWER SOUP

• 1 stick Butter, Divided
• ½ whole Onion, Finely Diced
• 1 whole Carrot Finely Diced
• 1 stalk Celery, Finely Diced
• 1 whole (to 2 Whole) Cauliflower Heads (roughly Chopped)
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Or Dried Parsley (chopped)
• 2 quarts Low-sodium Chicken Broth Or Stock
• 6 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
• 2 cups Whole Milk
• 1 cup Half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons To 4 Teaspoons Salt, To Taste
• 1 cup (heaping) Sour Cream, Room Temperature

Preparation Instructions

In a large soup pot or dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes, or until it starts to turn brown.

Add the carrots and celery and cook an additional couple of minutes. Add cauliflower and parsley and stir to combine.

Cover and cook over very low heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour in chicken stock or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer.

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Mix the flour with the milk and whisk to combine. Add flour-milk mixture slowly to the butter, whisking constantly.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup half-and-half. Add mixture to the simmering soup. Allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Check seasoning and add more salt or pepper if necessary.

Just before serving, place the sour cream in a serving bowl or soup tureen. Add two to three ladles of hot soup into the tureen and stir to combine with the sour cream. Pour in remaining soup and stir.

Serve immediately.

Recipe by The Pioneer Woman