Masala Cauliflower Soup with Lemon-Parsley Cream

I know that it is not really the weather for soup, but for some reason I only crave soups, chili, and stews in the Summer. This is one of those recipes that I use all the time. I usually make it plain but I had a moment of clarity in the middle of my busy week and thought... I can make this better! The result is an awesome flavor! Paired with some quickly cooked chicken it is a quick and very healthy meal... Or eat it as a snack like I do!

Number of Servings: 6
Points Per Serving: 2 for the soup and cream (chicken is extra)

For the Soup:
3 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 celery stalks with leaves, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tsp chicken boullion (or you can use chicken broth, but watch the points value)
8 cups water
1 20 oz. bag frozen cauliflower or one head fresh cauliflower cut up
1 tsp garam masala
salt & pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot and garlic and cook until light golden and softened. Add the chicken boullion and water, bring to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes or until the carrots are tender. Add the cauliflower and continue to boil 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is easily mushed with a fork. Allow the soup to cool a bit and then puree it either in a blender (be careful with hot liquids) or a stick blender. Return the soup to the dutch oven and heat through. Add the garam masala, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your tastes,

For the Lemon-Parsley Cream:
12 Tbsp light sour cream
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Set aside.

To Serve: Divide the soup among the bowls and then spoon 2 Tbsp of the Lemon-Parsley Cream onto each. Enjoy!!

Serving Suggestion: I sprinkled some pounded out chicken breasts with garam masala and quickly sauteed it, chopped it up and added it to the soup. Super yummy!

Note: You can leave out the garam masala if it is not something you like, or try some curry powder!