{Recipe Files}: Cauliflower Chowder

MG and I got in late last night from our weekend in Minnesota (highlights from that coming!), but in the meantime, I thought I'd share with you a recent dish I tried--and since we're coming back from our trip to some chilly weather, it seems like the perfect recipe to warm you up!

This is another one from Damn Delicious, and another one that does not disappoint!

What You Need:

~2 Tbsp unsalted butter

~ 2 cloves of garlic, minced (1 tsp from jar)

~ 1 onion diced (I only did 1/2 onion)

~1 head cauliflower, cut into small pieces

~2 stalks celery, sliced into small pieces

~ 2 carrot, sliced or chopped (I used 3/4 bag of grated carrot)

~4 cups chicken broth (I used reduced sodium)

~ 1 Cup 2% milk

~1/4 Cup flour

~4 strips of bacon, cooked (or just use bacon bits)

~1 bay leaf

~ salt and pepper to taste

What You Do:

1. If you're using bacon, cook it first.

2. In a large pot, or Dutch oven, melt the butter. Add in the garlic, onion, carrots and the celery. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring, until tender.

3. Add in the cauliflower and the bay leaf.  Continue stirring and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

4. Whisk in the flour until lightly browned (about 1 minute) and then gradually add in the chicken broth and milk, whisking until it is slightly thickened (3-4 minutes).

5. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 12-15 minutes, until the cauliflower are tender (it's ok to taste test!). Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

If the chowder is too thick, just add in a bit more milk (this was not a problem for me).

It may be a bit watery even...mine was still fine.

I actually used my immersion blender to try and blend things up a bit more, which I thought was helpful (but if you don't have one, it's totally ok).

6. Spoon everything out into a bowl, and top your soups with some bacon crumbles!

My husband said that this tasted like potato soup (the bacon definitely helps with that), but this doesn't have the carbs that potato soup has, and no cream either. Definitely a healthier option!

Bon appetit!