Frozen cauliflower makes this soup the fastest ever. Be sure to use high-quality paprika that’s relatively fresh. Substitute gluten-free, hearty whole-grain, or any kind of bread you have on hand for the croutons; or skip the croutons and top with a drizzle of flavorful olive oil, pumpkin-seed oil, or white truffle oil for a luxurious finish. Vegan
        Cauliflower, Celery, and Leek Soup
    
    
                 
    
        
    Ingredients
    
                - 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 medium leek thinly sliced, white and green parts
- 7 stalks celery thinly sliced
- 1 pound frozen cauliflower
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 12 small, thin slices baguette
- 2 cloves garlic pressed
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
        
    Instructions
    
                - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add leek and celery, and cook for 4 minutes until just softened, being careful not to burn. Add cauliflower and broth; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 10–15 minutes.
- While soup is cooking, preheat broiler. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine remaining 2 tablespoons oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Brush bread slices with oil mixture and broil for 1–2 minutes, until crispy.
- When soup is done, purée in batches until smooth and creamy. Return to pot and season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls, top each serving with two croutons, and serve immediately.
        
    Recipe Notes
    
                Nutrition Facts
        Cauliflower, Celery, and Leek Soup
        
        
            Amount Per Serving        
        
            Calories 143
                        Calories from Fat 63
                    
        
        
            % Daily Value*
        
                
            Total Fat 7g
            11%
        
                        
                Saturated Fat 1g
                5%
            
                                                
                Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
            
                                    
                Monounsaturated Fat 5g
            
                                            
            Sodium 305mg
            13%
        
                                    
                Total Carbohydrates 16g
                5%
            
                        
                Dietary Fiber 4g
                16%
            
                                                
            Protein 3g
            6%
        
                
            * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.         
    PER SERVING: 143 cal, 7g fat (5g mono, 1g poly, 1g sat), 0mg chol, 3g protein, 16g carb, 4g fiber, 305mg sodium