dutch farmer's soup with gouda croutons

we love soup here at nerd headquarters. not the msg-packed canned stuff either. fresh, delicious soup made from fresh, delicious produce and meat. i make a pot of soup at least twice a month. this weeks selection was a dutch's farmer's soup with gouda croutons. usually this soup is topped with bacon, but we consume a fair amount of bacon, so i opted to leave it out. make this the day before you plan on serving it so the flavors have time to get to know each other (it's also great to strain and add the veggies to your picky eater's quasadilla!)

dutch farmer's soup:

2 tbs butter
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
3 cups chopped cauliflower
6 cups organic vegetable stock
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 oz gouda cheese, sliced
sliced french bread

in a large dutch oven melt butter over medium heat. add veggies and saute until tender, about 10 minutes. add vegetable stock, salt and pepper. bring to a boil. reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 25 minutes.

preheat broiler. arrange bread in a single layer on broiler pan and place in broiler six inches from flame for 2 minutes. turn slices over and top with gouda. return to broiler for 1-2 minutes, until cheese is melted.

place a crouton on top of each bowl of soup and serve.

i was leery about this soup because of the lack of herbs and seasoning, but don't let that fool you. this soup is packed with flavor!