Cauliflower & Celery Soup

 I LOVE cauliflower soup, but the version I LOVE and used to make has butter, cream and flour in it (items I do not eat much of anymore.)  I got 4 bunches of celery in my Bountiful Basket one day, so I decided to make a cauliflower and celery soup!  My friend suggested a potato to thicken the soup which I thought was a great idea.  That is how I came up with this soup...it is velvety, smooth and delicious! Enjoy!!

Cauliflower & Celery Soup

1 T EVOO

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bunch celery, chopped with the leaves

1 small head cauliflower, chopped

1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 T fresh Thyme

Salt and pepper,to taste

6 c vegetable broth

Heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.   Add celery, cauliflower, sweet potato and thyme.  Season with salt and pepper.

 

Add the broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft enough that they can easily be pierced with a knife.     Remove from heat and purée in a blender, working in batches if necessary. 

(Use care when processing hot items in a blender as the hot steam can sometimes blow the blender lid off. Start on a slow speed with the lid slightly ajar to vent any steam, then seal the lid and increase the blending speed.) Return puréed soup to pot and adjust seasoning if necessary.