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Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon is a cozy, comforting dish featuring tender cauliflower and mild leeks blended into a silky, flavorful soup, topped with smoky, crispy bacon. Perfect for chilly days, this savory soup balances creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures, making it an easy and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
  • 2 large leeks, cleaned and sliced
  • 46 slices of bacon
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon: Fry the bacon slices in a pan over medium heat until crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and set aside for garnish.
  2. Sauté the Leeks and Garlic: Remove most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about one tablespoon for flavor. Add butter or olive oil if needed. Gently cook the cleaned and sliced leeks with minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the pan, stirring to combine them with leeks and garlic. Pour in the broth, ensuring the vegetables are covered. Bring to a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  4. Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup or pulse lightly.
  5. Finish with Cream: Stir in heavy cream or your preferred substitute. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the soup warm through for a few more minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh leeks and cauliflower for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not skip browning the bacon, as the rendered fat adds depth to the soup.
  • Blend the soup to your desired consistency to suit your preference.
  • Add cream gradually to control richness without overpowering the flavors.
  • Season the soup after blending and adding cream for perfect balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cauliflower soup, leek soup, creamy soup, bacon soup, comforting meal, gluten free soup