This is a wonderful soup for those that don’t like cauliflower but still want to get the benefits of the vitamins and minerals that are found, such as Vitamins A and C, but especially Vitamin K. You’ll notice right that the soup has delicious garlic flavor that while it is not overpowering, it blends deliciously with the leeks for a mellow and sweet flavor.
Did you know: Leeks are closely related to the onion, scallion and garlic family. If you’ve never had them, they look like gigantic green onions. Only the white and light green parts are used for recipes, but the tough dark green tops are wonderful in stocks and soups where it can be removed. Once you’ve cut the tops off, slice them longwise and rinse the dirt out. Unless you’re braising them, you can slice them into half moons for easy sautéing.
Ingredients:
2 leeks, white part only, washed and thickly sliced
1/2 head garlic, cut so cloves are exposed
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 -2 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
3 bay leaves
1 cup skim milk
3 cups shredded fresh basil
3 tbsp hot water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425ºF. Place large baking sheet in oven. While preheating, toss leeks garlic and cauliflower with 1 tsp oil, sea salt, black pepper and nutmeg. Roast in center of oven, stirring occasionally until cauliflower is browned and almost tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove garlic from baking sheet and set aside. Scrape leeks and cauliflower into large saucepan. Add vegetable broth and bay leaves. When cool enough, squeeze garlic from skins into saucepan and discard skins. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until leeks are very tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Working in batches, puree in a food processor or blender and pour into saucepan. Stir in milk. Reheat before serving. Place basil in a blender. Add hot water and puree until smooth. Ladle soup into warm bowls. Add a spoonful of basil into each, using a toothpick swirl decoratively into the soup.
(makes 10 servings)
