Title: Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Introduction:
Delight your senses with a comforting bowl of Creamy Cauliflower Soup crowned with delectable Parmesan and crispy bacon. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an absolute crowd-pleaser. It is a perfect dinner option that warms up the chilly evenings and gets prepared in just 45 minutes!
Why Make This Recipe?
This soup is a perfect blend of health and taste. Its primary ingredient – cauliflower, is loaded with nutrients, fulfilling your quota for a balanced diet. Another reason is the versatility it offers. You can tweak it as per your preference – add more veggies or make it more creamy. Above all, this creamy goodness gets prepared in a jiffy, making it a perfect option for dinner.
How to Make Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites:
Ingredients:
– 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley (optional), for garnish
Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot at medium heat. Toss in chopped onion and garlic and sauté till the onion softens.
2. Add in the cauliflower florets and broth. Let it boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes, or until you find the cauliflower tender.
3. Blend the soup using an immersion blender until it turns smooth. You can also shift the soup to a blender in batches for blending.
4. Stir in milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Keep cooking and stirring gently till the soup heats up and the cheese dissolves completely.
5. Now is the time to add salt and pepper for seasoning as per your taste.
6. Serve the soup hot in bowls. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and fresh parsley for added flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites:
Serve this creamy delight, hot, in soup bowls. The creamy flavor of the soup pairs well with a hot piece of crusty bread or a light, fresh salad.
How to Store Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites:
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to a month. For enjoying later, reheat before serving.
Tips to Make Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites:
• If the soup becomes too thick, you can add broth to get the desired consistency.
• Use a high-speed blender for pureeing for a silky, smooth consistency.
Variation:
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works just as well as fresh. No need to defrost ahead of time, add it directly to the pot.
Q2: Any substitute for bacon bites?
Yes, if you don’t consume pork, you can use turkey bacon or even crumbled tempeh for a vegetarian alternative.
Q3: Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can try with sharp cheddar or even cream cheese for a different spin.