I love this recipe because it makes a veggie full dinner full of flavor and warmth that fills that comfort food craving without leaving you feeling heavy and guilty....
The Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy substitute for starchy potatoes in a traditional chowder (I'm kind of on a Cauliflower kick lately because its such a great healthy alternative), and the smoky flavor of the cooked bacon is the perfect topper. Make sure to buy the lean, uncured bacon, you don't want the kind thats doused with all that sugar. Best part of this recipe is that its husband approved :)
Cauliflower Chowder
A creamy, low carb, hearty and wonderfully cozy soup for those chilly nights!
Ingredients
4 slices bacon, diced
2 tablespoons Ghee (Ghee is pure butter fat without the components that can make dairy problematic for many people. It is derived from the milk of grass fed cows, a healthier alternative to your regular butter)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1/4 cup Whole Wheat Flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt
1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped
1 bay leaf
1 C sliced mushrooms
2 TBS nutritional yeast flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
- First heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
-Melt Ghee in a large stockpot. Add garlic, onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in cauliflower and bay leaf. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in sliced mushrooms
-Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and Yogurt, and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower are tender, about 12-15 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. If the chowder is too thick, add more liquid if needed for desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with bacon and parsley, if desired.
