Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

Source: Eating Well, January/February 2010 as seen on Christine’s Kitchen Chronicles

Yields: 8 servings (1 cup each)

Cook Time: 35 Minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced and rinsed
• 4 cups chopped cauliflower florets (from 1 medium head)
• 2 1/2 cups low-fat milk, divided
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white or black pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring, until very soft, about 5 minutes. Add cauliflower, 2 cups milk, water, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is soft, about 8 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup milk and flour in a small bowl. When the cauliflower is soft, remove the bay leaf and stir in the milk mixture. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the soup has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat. Stir in cheese and lemon juice.  If desired, create a smoother soup by using a potato masher or blender.

Nutritional Information: 186 calories; 11 g fat (5 g sat, 3 g mono); 27 mg cholesterol; 13 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 10 g protein; 2 g fiber; 488 mg sodium; 198 mg potassium; Vitamin C (45% daily value), Calcium (27% dv); Vitamin A (15% dv).