Cauliflower Soup With Smoked Gouda

This healthy cauliflower soup recipe gets its great flavor from two smoked ingredients — paprika and Gouda. A hearty serving of crunchy croutons makes it filling.

Prep/Cook Time: 50 Minutes, Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups cubed whole-wheat bread (1/2-inch)
• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon ground white pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme plus 1 tablespoon, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cored and chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or no-chicken broth, divided
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 3/4 cup shredded smoked Gouda
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Toss bread in a bowl with 2 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon thyme and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring once, until crispy, 14 to 18 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and salt, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is very soft and barely starting to brown, 7 to 9 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon white pepper and 1 tablespoon thyme; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add wine, increase heat to high and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Add cauliflower and 3 1/2 cups broth, cover and bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is very tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Puree the soup in the pot with an immersion blender (or in batches in a regular blender and return to the pot). Combine the remaining 1/2 cup broth and cornstarch in a small bowl and stir into the soup. Return to a simmer over medium heat; simmer, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and cream. Serve the soup topped with the croutons.

© Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission.