Tomato Cauliflower Soup - Oryana

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 head cauliflower, coarsely chopped, including the tender leaves
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup long grain white rice
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese