CHRISTINA HENDRICKS

CAULIFLOWERCAULI SOUP WELLNESS

ChristinaCh i ti loves gathering her family for wonderful homecooked meals, including this delicious winter warmer.

“Packed with vitamin C, Christina’s cauliflower soup will help you recover from a cold quite quickly,” explains Melanie. This tasty-sounding recipe also contains phytochemicals that have muchneeded antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Low in kilojoules and full of insoluble fibre to keep you regular and feeling full, the celery in this one is an excellent soup filler. To make it an even healthier option, Melanie recommends taking out the bacon and replacing it with legumes.

THE RECIPE

6 slices bacon, chopped 2 cups onions, chopped 1½ cups celery, chopped 6 garlic cloves, chopped 12 cups cauliflower (2 large heads), chopped into 2.5cm pieces 8 cups chicken broth or

stock 8cm cube of pecorino romano cheese, grated, plus extra to garnish 1 cup thickened cream fresh herbs (try tarragon) white truffle oil to garnish

1. In a large, heavy saucepan, sauté bacon over medium until golden brown. Set aside a few pieces to crumble as garnish.

2. Add onion, celery and garlic, then cover with a lid. Cook until veges are soft, stirring occasionally – about 7 minutes.

3. Add cauliflower, broth and cheese. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until tender.

4. Purée soup in a blender in batches. Return to pan. Add cream and simmer. Thin with more broth if necessary. Season to taste.

6. Ladle into bowls. Top with cheese, bacon, herbs and a drizzle of truffle oil.