Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Bacon & Jalapeno
Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Bacon & Jalapeno
SOUP THAT WILL WARM YOU STOMACH…
AND YOUR IMMORTAL SOUL
Against my better judgement and solely for the sake of sending my body into a fat burning frenzy, I've been in phase 1 of Atkins world.
Cheese, bacon, fat, cream and (vegetables in moderation) is only fun for about 12 hours. I've never fantasized more about fruit and nuts in my life.. So, with this said, I introduce this creamy cauliflower soup that has all the tools needed for Atkins, phase 1. Or, if you love comfort food, this soup is for you.. You can also make easy substitutions to make it a healthy choice... Sub olive oil for butter, omit the bacon fat and use greek yogurt and chicken stock in place of the cream. Additionally, I think this is a great kid friendly soup, as long as you don't overdo it with the jalapenos.. I personally like to put jalapenos in anything I can because of it's awesome health benefits and it speeds up your metabolism. My 16 year old daughter eats jalapenos raw.. I'm so proud.
Let's face it, this isn't a health food recipe.
Although, there are things we can do to soften the blow.
I start with Trader Joes, uncured bacon "pieces". (and you can skip the step where I scrape the fat into the pan and saute the vegetables in it) Since we are just going to chop it up, pretty & neat strips are unnecessary. Choose organic vegetables and always try to use grass fed butter and dairy products.
In another few days, this clear betrayal that I've put my body through, will be complete and I'll be back on the fruit, nuts and greek yogurt. But until then, bring on the fat.. Here's how you do it..
Ingredients..
I head of cauliflower
1 jalapeno pepper chopped
1 cup chopped leek
2 tablespoons of butter
1/2 lb cooked bacon (save the bacon fat)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
approximately 2 cups of water
1 cup of heavy cream or 1/2 & 1/2
Salt & Pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cook your bacon until crisp.
2. Saute the jalapeno in leek in the butter and remaining bacon fat until tender.
3. Add cauliflower, water & bacon pieces. Cover and simmer until cauliflower is soft.
4. Add cheddar & cream and puree. I use an immersion blender but a standard countertop blender will suffice as well.
5. Salt & Pepper to taste..