Cauliflower Leek Soup with Parmesan and Bacon

By Ann Fulton

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The arrival of cooler weather always puts me in the mood for steamy, savory bowls of soup. Each fall, I start with one of my favorite tomato soup recipes (see the “Soup” category for my top two tomato picks), then work my way through butternut squash and several other fall vegetables before starting in on the various bean soups and others.

Last winter, my younger son commented that we had been eating a lot of soup!  In addition to being delicious and typically quite economical, I love that soup can be made ahead and frozen for nights when there is little time to cook.  Plus, there are so many different kinds. So, although he made the comment that we were, in fact, eating lots of soup, he was happy to be eating it, as was the rest of the family.

It’s a good thing, because there will be a lot of soup this winter, too!

By the way, the muffin in the corner of the picture is a favorite here–a moist, delicious, wholesome pumpkin bran muffin.  Click here for the recipe.

Cauliflower Leek Soup with Parmesan and Bacon
This velvety soup can be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated. Reheat over medium heat.
Ingredients
  • 3 pieces bacon, chopped
  • 2 leeks (1 1/2 – 2 cups), chopped (can use sweet onion)
  • Florets from 1 large head cauliflower
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for garnish if desired
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (I like 2% or whole milk versions)
  • Kosher salt
Instructions
  1. Cook bacon in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove from pot and reserve.
  2. Add the leeks to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat until softened, 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add the cauliflower, chicken stock, and cayenne. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until cauliflower is very tender.
  4. Puree the soup in batches in a blender or food processor or with an immersion blender.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan, Greek yogurt, and salt to taste. (I start with a 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt, then check and add another 1/2 teaspoon typically. Amount will depend on individual taste and the type of broth or stock you use.)
  6. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with reserved bacon and extra Parmesan cheese.
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Comments

  1. BONNIE

    The family really enjoyed it. I made it without bacon as a healthier option and sauteed the leeks in olive oil instead. We loved it!

    Reply
  2. BONNIE

    Question: I thought I got all of the ingredients :/ but when I got home I had forgotten the Greek Yogurt. Is it a big deal if I use traditional plain yogurt instead of the Greek stuff?
    Also, does this soup freeze well if I want make in larger batches? I’m looking forward to trying this soup!

    Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Ann

      Hi Bonnie,
      I think the regular yogurt will be fine. I added it to achieve a little extra creaminess without using actual cream. As for the freezing, I often freeze soups but have not frozen this one. I imagine it would be fine but can’t answer from experience. If you try, please let me know!

      Reply
  3. Terra

    I am in the mood for cozy soups too! Today we are making yummy chili, our favorite football Sunday dish:-) I made potato and leek soup, got the recipe inspiration from Giada on Food Network. Now need to try your recipe, the flavor combo has to ROCK! Hugs, Terra

    Reply
  4. Mary Lou Keller

    Yummy! Loved it. Yesterday was kind of Fountain Ave Kitchen at my house. I made the soup, baked apples, and assembled the crunchy topped apple baked oatmeal, we had some this morning.

    Today, no cooking but will enjoy leftovers. 🙂

    Reply