2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small leeks, white and pale green parts only, thoroughly washed and chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets and thinly sliced
5 cups organic low-sodium vegetable broth
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Pinch of ground red pepper
1 tablespoon snipped chives, for garnish
Step 1: Sauté the Leeks
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Cauliflower and Broth
Add the cauliflower florets, vegetable broth, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the cauliflower is very tender.
Step 4: Puree the Soup
Allow the soup to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Stir in the minced fresh parsley and a pinch of ground red pepper for a hint of heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with snipped chives for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors of this delicious Cauliflower Leek Soup.
**Tips for the Best Cauliflower Leek Soup
1. Clean the Leeks Thoroughly: Leeks can be sandy, so make sure to wash them well before using.
2. Adjust the Texture: For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest chunky.
3. Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.