Cream of Cauliflower Soup With Gruyere Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 leeks, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 lbs cauliflower, small florets
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 1/2 cups gruyere cheese, finely grated
• 1 pinch cayenne
• chives, finely chopped

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add leeks, onions, celery, garlic and thyme and saute until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add cauliflower and saute until just soft, about 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Add chicken broth.

5. 5

   Bring to boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 16 minutes.

6. 6

   Add cream and simmer 15 minutes.

7. 7

   Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth.

8. 8

   Return soup to pot and bring to simmer.

9. 9

   Whisk in Gruyere cheese and cayenne.

10. 10

    Season soup to taste wtih salt and pepper.

11. 11

    Ladle inot bowls.

12. 12

    Sprinknle with chives, if desired, and serve.