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Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon
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Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. It combines the gentle sweetness of leeks, the smooth texture of cauliflower, and the smoky crunch of bacon for a cozy, satisfying experience. Ideal as a comforting lunch, light dinner, or elegant starter, this soup balances fresh, wholesome ingredients with rich, savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 4 cups)
  • 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Protein and Fats

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

Liquids and Dairy

  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Wash the cauliflower and cut it into small florets. Clean the leeks thoroughly and slice thinly, using only the white and light green parts. Mince the garlic finely and chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces, setting aside.
  2. Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and fat is released. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
  3. Sauté the leeks and garlic: Using the reserved bacon fat, add the sliced leeks and sauté gently until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, avoiding burning.
  4. Add cauliflower and broth: Add cauliflower florets to the pot, stirring to combine with leeks and garlic. Pour in vegetable or chicken broth until cauliflower is just covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Blend the soup until smooth: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer soup in batches to a blender. Puree until silky and creamy. Return soup to the pot if needed.
  6. Finish with cream and bacon: Stir in heavy cream or milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with the crispy bacon pieces reserved earlier.

Notes

  • Use fresh leeks and cauliflower to enhance natural sweetness and aroma.
  • Slowly sauté leeks over medium heat for maximum flavor development.
  • Cooking leeks in bacon fat adds deep smoky undertones.
  • Blend in batches if you don’t have an immersion blender to avoid spills and ensure smoothness.
  • Season gradually, tasting as you go for perfect balance.
  • Reserve some bacon for garnishing to keep texture contrasts.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower soup, leek soup, creamy soup, bacon soup, gluten free, comforting soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/creamy-cauliflower-and-leek-soup-with-crispy-bacon/