This is one of my faves, and it’s a perfect way to get the amazing power of cauliflower into your life. I came up with this recipe after having Celeriac Soup at a restaurant outside of Carcassonne, in the south of France. The original version had loads of heavy cream and butter. I don’t mind butter, but was challenged to come up with a version that didn’t have the heavy cream. So here it is. You will be amazed the velvety texture the Greek Yogurt gives this soup. Start thinking of ways you can substitute Greek Yogurt in other dishes.

Cauliflower & Celery Soup:

3 tbs. evoo

1 leek chopped

1/2 white onion

1 head cauliflower, chopped

1 head celery, chopped

4 cups organic chicken stock

1 medium Yukon Gold potato

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp. turmeric

3 lrg. bay leaves

8 oz. 2% Greek yogurt

15 shakes of Tabasco Sauce

juice of 1/2 a fresh lemon

butter to finish

In a large stock pot over medium heat, sauté the leeks and onions in the evoo, sprinkling on a little sea salt & pepper, and gently cook until starting to brown. Then add the cauliflower, potatoes, stock and seasonings and bring to boil. Lower heat and cook for 30 minutes, until the vegetables are completely soft.

When the veggies have totally softened, turn off the heat. Using an emersion blender, puree the soup to the desired smoothness. Add the yogurt and butter while blending the soup. Add tabasco and stir thoroughly. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice, taste for seasoning, and serve.

Benefits:

• extra-virgin olive oil–antioxidant; heart healthy, lowers bad cholesterol, raises good cholesterol; decreases blood pressure; protects against colon cancer; helps keep arteries dilated
• leeks and onions–cancer fighting; protects against prostate and esophageal cancer; builds strong bones; antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antiviral; protects against cancer and heart disease; relieves asthma and hay fever symptoms; lowers blood pressure
• cauliflower — detoxifies by removing toxins and wastes from cells; helps  prevent cell damage’ powerful phytonutrients that activate enzymes, like scrubbing bubbles for cells; antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that damage cells; V-K keeps inflammation under control; cancer fighting by removing carcinogens from cells
• celery–appetite control; stems carb cravings; aids digestion; lowers blood pressure; increases blood flow; lowers stress levels; helps renew joints, bones, arteries, and all connective tissue; inhibits tumor growth
• yogurt–strengthens immune system; anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial; cancer fighting selenium
• tabasco–same benefits as hot peppers; promotes eye health; remedy for cough and colds; lowers bad cholesterol; pain reliever; enhances circulation; boosts metabolism and increases body temperature; aids in digestion and kills bad bacteria in stomach; used for healing in Ayurvedic medicine
• thyme–powerful antiseptic; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; aids in digestion; relieves chest and respiratory problems
• turmeric – promotes new brain cell growth, stimulates the brain to repair itself, and breaks up the plaques found in an Alzheimer’s brain
• black pepper–increases circulation.

After you wrap your mind around the amazing power of cauliflower, you want to include it in multiple ways in your diet. Sliced crosswise to make “steaks”, brushed with evoo and grilled or roasted is easy and yummy.

Cauliflower also naturally grows in different colors. My favorite is purple, which I try to grow each year. It also comes in green, yellow (cheddar) and white. The green version is Romanesco and is the coolest shape ever.

How cool is that? The Romanesco cauliflower has natural fractals. I am in awe of that!

Nature provides us with amazing produce to choose from. When we are aware of the benefits these foods give our bodies, there’s no reason not to take advantage of those gifts.

The amazing power of cauliflower and all the other cruciferous vegetables are there for the taking. Help yourself!

Until next time,

Be Ageless! Be Happy!

Christia