CREAMY CAULIFLOWER CHOWDER

[Jherrith]

CREAMY CAULIFLOWER CHOWDER

INGREDIENTS:

6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
2 tablespoons bacon fat (reserved from cooking process)
2 tablespoons butter
1 large head cauliflower, broken into small florets (no larger than 1 inch)
1/2 cup yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
1 cup leeks, finely chopped (divided)- just the white & light green part of the leek (can substitute green onions)
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon thyme, finely minced
1/8 teaspoon cracked pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups chicken broth (1 quart)
1/2 cup block cream cheese, 4 oz. (softened at room temp)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional for thickening)

DIRECTIONS:

Prep your veggies so they're all set to go when the cooking begins. Be sure that your cauliflower pieces are about 1 inch or smaller.

Add bacon fat and butter to a medium/large pot over medium heat. As the butter begins to bubble, add bell pepper, 1/2 cup leeks (save the rest for topping), onion, celery, garlic, and thyme. (DO NOT add the cauliflower until step 3.) Increase to medium/high heat and cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions are beginning to brown and caramelize.

Now it's time to add the cauliflower pieces, chicken broth, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low allowing to simmer for 10 minutes. The cauliflower should become nice and soft.

Remove lid and add softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (save the rest for topping), and heavy whipping cream. Stirring or whisking frequently, cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing cheeses to melt and fully incorporate into the broth.

Your mixture will now look like a creamy soup. If you prefer a thick chowder texture (as I do), add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum by lightly sprinkling the powder over the broth. Using a whisk, mix the powder into the broth stirring constantly for another couple of minutes as the xanthan gum works its magic.

Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top each individual bowl with remaining cheese, leeks, and crumbled bacon. Enjoy!