Loaded Cauliflower Soup

I don't know about y'all but chowder soups are my favorite, the creamier the better, tastier and more filling. Only problem is they are usually loaded with calories and all sorts of things to make them so thick (heavy creamers, butter, flour, etc...). That's what makes this creamy cauliflower based soup so amazing, it is thickened only by cauliflower and is only 185 calories per bowl with 11g of protein! All the creaminess, all the good flavor, and minimal calorie intake. Can you say win win situation?! 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 onion (yellow or white)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 2 cups low fat milk (I used 2%)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tsp chicken bouillon (or 2 cubes / packets)
• 2 tbsp garlic paste
• Sea salt & pepper
• 1/4 cup 2% shredded cheese
• 4 strips cooked turkey bacon, chopped
• 3-4 tbsp chopped chives

This recipe makes four large bowls (185 calories each) or up to 6 smaller bowls of soup.

Directions:

1. Prep toppings, cook the turkey bacon, chop the chives and measure out cheese and set aside. 
2. Chop your half onion and add to a large sauce pan with tbsp of butter. Sauté over medium heat until onion starts to turn clear and caramelize. 
3. Add cauliflower florets, milk, water, garlic paste, chicken bouillon flavoring and a dash of salt and pepper to the sauce pan. Turn heat to medium / high and boil for around 15 minutes until cauliflower is soft. 
4. Using a hand blender puree the cauliflower mix until smooth as pictured above. *If you don't have a hand blender use a potato masher and whisk to get as smooth as possible, or add soup mix to a blender or food processor if desired, processing until smooth. 
5. Pour soup into bowls and garnish with a pinch of each the bacon, cheese, and chives. Sprinkle a little salt & pepper on top to taste. You can also pour all soup into a serving bowl as I have pictured, add all toppings, and stir before serving - however you would prefer to serve!  
   
6. Enjoy!!