CAULIFLOWER AND TOMATO SOUP - Lidia

Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 fresh bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch pieces, including the tender leaves
• 1½ cups long-grain rice
• ½ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
• Freshly grated Grana Padano, for serving