Cheddar Bacon Cauliflower Chowder

Made this with my sister yesterday for lunch and it was SO delicious, healthy and light.  I ate a big bowl and a half of it wasn't overly stuffed or heavy.  Kat says that it freezes and reheats really well and to be totally honest, I am excited for our leftovers for today!  Hooray!

Cheddar Bacon Cauliflower Chowder 

Ingredients*:
8 slices center-cut bacon, chopped (half used for garnish)
1/2 small onion, chopped OR 1 teaspoon onion powder
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt & pepper
4 C. shredded or grated cauliflower (1/2 large head)
2 T. water
2 T. flour
2 C. chicken broth, divided
2 C. milk
3-4 dashes hot sauce (or more or less)
2-½ C. (12oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (half used for garnish)
2 green onions, chopped (optional)

Ideas: steamed chopped broccoli or real baked potatoes, cubed, would be a great addition!  Maybe sour cream as a possible garnish, along with the chives

Directions:

1. Whisk together flour and 1/4 cup chicken broth in a small bowl then set aside.
2. Saute bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate then remove all but 1 Tablespoon drippings from the pot. Add chopped onion (if using,) celery, and garlic to the pot then season with salt and pepper and saute until vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add cauliflower and onion powder (if using) to the pot then stir to combine. Add water then place a lid on top and steam cauliflower until tender, stirring a couple times, about 5-7 minutes. Add remaining chicken broth and milk then turn up heat and bring to a boil.
4. Slowly whisk in flour/chicken broth mixture while stirring, then turn down heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until chowder has thickened. Turn off heat then stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese until smooth, then stir in half the cooked bacon. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and/or hot sauce if necessary. Serve topped with remaining shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions, if desired.

*Use a food processor’s chopping and grating blades to make prepping veggies and cheese a breeze!

Serves 8, 265 calories, 7 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of protein per serving