Creamy Cauliflower Chowder {Vegan Option}

This soup is perfectly creamy, sweet and salty, and has deep flavors of bay leaf and butter. The vegetable to creamy ratio is just right. And the mellow flavors are perfect for picky weeknight eaters or the troublesome mixed bag palates of hosting.

To me, each season has its beauty and appeal.  Winter, it seems, is all about slow living.  Wearing slippers around the kitchen making big pots of soup and eating way too many brownies.  Snuggling under warm blankets with nothing on the agenda but a good movie.  Gazing out the window as snow gently falls.  Winter is an excuse to do nothing.  And eat said soup while doing nothing.

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Creamy Cauliflower Chowder {Vegan Option}

Serves 6-8

This soup is perfectly creamy, sweet and salty, and has deep flavors of bay leaf and butter. The vegetable to creamy ratio is just right. And the mellow flavors are perfect for picky eaters.

Ingredients

1 medium Onion, finely chopped

4 Tablespoons butter or vegan substitute

2 Carrots, finely chopped

2 Celery Stalks, finely chopped

1 head of Cauliflower, roughly chopped

1 Bay Leaf

1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour

1 qt. Low-Sodium Vegetable Stock or Broth

1 cup Half and Half or Canned Coconut Milk

1 Tablespoon fresh or dried minced Parsley

1/2 cup Sour Cream (omit if making recipe dairy-free)

1 to 3 teaspoons Salt, to taste

Instructions

Saute onion and butter for 7-8 minutes in a large pot on medium heat. Stir occasionally.

Add carrot and celery to onions and saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the cauliflower and bay leaf. Continue to saute for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Add the stock, scraping the bottom of the pot. Simmer with the lid on for 15-20 minutes, or until desired vegetable softness.

When vegetables are softened to your liking, add the remaining ingredients.

Add one teaspoon of salt at a time and taste. Salt levels will vary depending on the type of stock you used.

Sprinkle a bit of parsley on top for presentation.

Notes

Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, simply use a butter alternative, coconut milk, and omit the sour cream. You may want to pump up the flavors of the soup with some extra coconut milk, salt, spices, and maybe a splash of fresh lemon juice since you will be omitting the sour cream.