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Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup

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Creamy Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup Recipe

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1/4 cup celery, diced
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the cauliflower florets, grated carrot, and diced celery.
  2. Add 2 1/2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon to the pot. Bring to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  4. In a separate pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, mixing until smooth.
  5. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  6. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Pour the cheese mixture into the pot with the cooked vegetables and stir everything together.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a dash of chili powder.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with freshly baked bread or garlic toast for a heartier meal.
  • Top with crispy bacon bits or croutons for added crunch.
  • Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced lunch or light dinner.

Cooking Tips:

  • Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture, leaving some cauliflower chunks intact.
  • For a vegetarian option, swap chicken bouillon for vegetable bouillon.
  • Use extra sharp cheddar for a more intense cheesy flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Cauliflower: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants for digestive and overall health.
  • Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, beneficial for vision and skin health.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein for bone and muscle strength.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on low heat, adding more milk or broth if needed to thin the soup.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the cheese may change slightly after thawing.
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FAQs for Creamy Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so over low heat and add a bit of milk or broth if the soup becomes too thick.

2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. However, the texture of the cheese may slightly change once thawed. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up slowly over low heat.

3. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken bouillon for vegetable bouillon to make the recipe vegetarian.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar with other types of cheese like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss, depending on your taste preference.

5. How can I make the soup smoother?
If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. You can also use a countertop blender, but blend in batches and be cautious of the hot liquid.

6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

7. What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. You can also add toppings like crispy bacon, croutons, or fresh herbs for added flavor.

8. How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If the soup is too thick, add more milk or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue cooking it a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

9. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, leeks, or potatoes for more texture and flavor.

10. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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