3 ½cupschopped cauliflower crownsabout 1-2 inch pieces
1teaspoondried parsley
3cupschicken stockor vegetable stock
1bay leaf
WHITE SAUCE:
3Tablespoonsbutter
¼cupflour
3cupsmilkany kind but skim
1cupshredded cheddar cheese
FOR SERVING:
minced chives
shredded cheddar cheese
salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
FOR SOUP: In large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery and sauté, stirring often, until onions are translucent and beginning to brown on edges, about 6-8 minutes.
Add cauliflower and parsley and stir to combine. Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Uncover an add chicken stock and bay leaf. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, and cover.
FOR WHITE SAUCE: In meantime in medium saucepan over medium-high heat melt butter. Add flour and stir constantly to combine. Continue to stir until mixture turns light brown, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly; continue to whisk until large flour chunks are broken up. Bring mixture to simmer and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
TO FINISH: Pour white sauce into cauliflower soup mixture, and increase heat to medium. Bring to a simmer, and continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Turn off heat, remove bay leaf, add cheese, and stir until melted.
TO SERVE: Ladle soup into bowls. Season with salt and pepper, and top with chives and additional shredded cheese. Serve immediately.