Creamy Cauliflower and Artichoke Soup

 

(Image Source |Ewan Munro)

By Ewan Munro from London, UK (Magdalen, Borough, LondonUploaded by tm) [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Cauliflower is one of the most consumed vegetables among the Cavemen diet followers. After all, its bunch of healthy attributes is hard to ignore. And when paired with artichokes, this veggie combo gives rise to a health freaks’ paradise!

The artichoke is high in fiber content, helps in reducing ‘bad’ cholesterol levels and is great for your liver as well as bile secretion. When it comes to antioxidant levels, it ranks 7th, thus posing as the go-to food for cancer prevention. So when blended into a creamy soup with cauliflower, the outcome is nourishing enough for your body and elegant enough to please the crowd on lunch parties.

In spite of being deliciously creamy in texture, this soup doesn’t call for a speck of milk. The creaminess of the pureed veggies is enough for the velvety goodness. A handful of shredded chicken and bacon peps it up with savory flavors and makes it hearty enough to be served as a light lunch. However, if you are a spice lover at heart, then stir in a dash of hot sauce for a fiery touch and sip in!

Ingredients:

Serves: 2

  • 2 cups cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • ½ cup artichoke hearts
  • ½ cup bacon, cooked and coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • Olive oil, for garnishing
  • Hot sauce, for garnishing
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

  • Toss the cauliflower florets in a steamer and steam until fork tender.
  • Transfer them into a blender and pour in the vegetable stock.
  • Pulse into a smooth puree and throw in the artichoke hearts.
  • Add the minced basil, along with a dash each of seasonings and pulse them further until the artichokes are pureed.
  • Meanwhile, cook the bacon, chop them up and shred the chicken as well.
  • Pile up the shredded chicken within the soup bowls and pour the soup on top.
  • Scatter the chopped bacon onto each serving and top it up with a lashing of olive oil.
  • Splatter a dash of hot sauce and serve piping hot.
  • Stir and sip.