This creamy cauliflower soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for any season. It's rich in flavor, velvety in texture, and surprisingly easy to make.
When heading to the supermarket, you may need to look for fresh thyme and kitchen basics organic vegetable stock if they are not common in your pantry. Fresh thyme provides a subtle earthiness, while the vegetable stock ensures a rich base for this soup.
Ingredients For Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower: The main ingredient, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding depth to the soup.
White onion: Adds a sweet, mild flavor when cooked.
Garlic: Provides a robust aromatic flavor.
Vegetable stock: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and richness.
Fresh thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor to the soup.
Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture of the soup.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory umami flavor.
Kosher salt: Used to enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Black pepper: Adds a slight heat and depth of flavor to the soup.
Cauliflower florets: Optional garnish for added texture.
Chickpeas: Optional garnish for added protein and texture.
Fresh thyme leaves: Optional garnish for an extra earthy note.
Extra parmesan: Optional garnish for an extra cheesy flavor.
Extra black pepper: Optional garnish for added spice.
One reader, Emerson Lerner says:
This creamy cauliflower soup is a game-changer! The blend of garlic, thyme, and parmesan creates a rich, comforting flavor. It's easy to make and perfect for cozy nights. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Creamy Cauliflower Soup
How to prep cauliflower: Remove and discard the outer leaves, trim off the stem, quarter the cauliflower, separate the core from the florets, roughly chop the florets, and thinly slice the core.
How to sauté onions and garlic: Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat, add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic and continue to sauté for 1 to 2 more minutes until fragrant.
How to simmer: Add chopped cauliflower, vegetable stock, and thyme to the pot, bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and continue simmering for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
How to use an immersion blender: Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
How to season: Stir in the milk and parmesan, and season the soup to taste with salt and black pepper.
How To Make Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflowers are a delightful culinary surprise. This soup recipe is a testament to the flexibility and adaptability of the cauliflower as an ingredient.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1headcauliflower
- 2Tbsp.olive oil
- 1mediumwhite onion,peeled and diced
- 5clovesgarlicpeeled and minced
- 3cupsKitchen Basics Organic Vegetable Stock
- 2sprigsfresh thyme
- 3cupsmilk
- 1/2cupParmesan cheesefreshly-grated
- kosher salt
- black pepperfreshly- cracked
optional garnishes:
- cauliflower floretssauteed , see instructions below
- chickpeasroasted
- fresh thyme leaves
- extra Parmesan
- extra black pepper
Instructions
-
Begin by prepping your cauliflower. Remove and discard the outer leaves and trim off the stem.
-
Quarter the cauliflower by using a knife to slice it down the middle of the stem, separating it into four sections. Separate the core from the florets. Roughly chop the florets, and then thinly slice the core. Set aside.
-
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
-
Stir in the garlic and continue to sauté for 1 to 2 more minutes, until fragrant.
-
Add in the chopped cauliflower, vegetable stock, and thyme, and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer.
-
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and continue simmering for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender. Remove the thyme sprigs.
-
Using either an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
-
Stir in the milk and Parmesan, and season the soup to taste with salt and black pepper.
-
Serve immediately, topped with your desired garnishes if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 155.63kcal
- Fat: 9.10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.84g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.65g
- Carbohydrates: 11.96g
- Fiber: 2.55g
- Sugar: 6.64g
- Protein: 8.16g
- Cholesterol: 15.47mg
- Sodium: 644.76mg
- Calcium: 259.75mg
- Potassium: 405.17mg
- Iron: 1.25mg
- Vitamin A: 73.01µg
- Vitamin C: 39.81mg
Technique Tip for Making Creamy Cauliflower Soup
When sautéing the onion and garlic, make sure to keep the heat at medium-high and stir occasionally to prevent burning. This will ensure they become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and enhancing the flavor of the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the cauliflower, onion, and garlic the night before to save time.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Purchase pre-cut cauliflower florets to skip the chopping step.
Immersion blender: An immersion blender can puree the soup directly in the pot, saving you from transferring hot liquid.
Simmer with lid: Cover the pot while simmering to speed up the cooking process and make the cauliflower tender faster.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the salt, black pepper, and thyme in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe
cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli has a similar texture and can provide a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle sweetness and richness to the soup.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a similar flavor and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the soup well.
vegetable stock - Substitute with chicken stock: Chicken stock can add a richer flavor, though it will no longer be vegetarian.
fresh thyme - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar flavor.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, making the soup dairy-free.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great dairy-free alternative.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can be used to maintain the peppery taste.
cauliflower florets - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli florets can add a different texture and flavor as a garnish.
chickpeas - Substitute with white beans: White beans can provide a similar texture and protein content.
fresh thyme leaves - Substitute with fresh rosemary leaves: Fresh rosemary can add a different but complementary herbal note.
extra parmesan - Substitute with grated pecorino: Pecorino cheese can provide a similar salty, cheesy flavor.
extra black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat and spice to the soup.
Best Way to Present Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the creamy cauliflower soup in a small, elegant bowl to emphasize the richness and depth of flavor.
Use decoration: Garnish with a few roasted cauliflower florets and a sprinkle of crispy chickpeas for added texture and visual appeal.
Add fresh herbs: Top with a few fresh thyme leaves to enhance the aroma and add a touch of color.
Incorporate cheese: Grate a small amount of extra parmesan over the top to create a beautiful, savory finish.
Season to perfection: Add a final twist of freshly ground black pepper to bring out the flavors and add a subtle heat.
Use high-quality serveware: Serve the soup in a pristine white porcelain bowl placed on a dark slate plate to create a striking contrast and elevate the presentation.
Create a balanced composition: Arrange the garnishes thoughtfully to ensure each spoonful offers a mix of flavors and textures, making the dish both visually appealing and delicious.
Essential Tools for Making Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Knife: For trimming the stem and quartering the cauliflower.
Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for chopping the cauliflower and slicing the core.
Large stockpot: To cook the soup ingredients together.
Wooden spoon: For stirring the ingredients while sautéing and simmering.
Immersion blender: To puree the soup until smooth directly in the pot.
Measuring cups: For accurately measuring the vegetable stock and milk.
Measuring spoons: For measuring the olive oil and any seasonings.
Ladle: To serve the soup into bowls.
Soup bowls: For serving the finished creamy cauliflower soup.
Grater: To grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.
Tongs: To remove the thyme sprigs from the soup.
Small skillet: Optional, for toasting chickpeas or cauliflower florets as garnishes.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Cauliflower Soup
- Allow the creamy cauliflower soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, follow these steps for the best results:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for efficient storage.
- Frozen cauliflower soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, follow these thawing and reheating instructions:
- Remove the desired portion of frozen soup from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
- Alternatively, you can thaw the soup in the microwave using the defrost setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.
- Once thawed, transfer the soup to a saucepan and reheat it over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If the soup appears too thick after thawing, you can add a little vegetable stock or milk to adjust the consistency.
- Note: The texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing and thawing due to the milk and cheese content. Whisking the reheated soup vigorously can help restore its creamy consistency.
How to Reheat Leftover Creamy Cauliflower Soup
The best way to reheat leftover creamy cauliflower soup is to use a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Pour the desired amount of soup into the pan and stir occasionally until it reaches your preferred temperature. This method allows for even heating and prevents the soup from scorching or separating.
If you're short on time, you can also use the microwave to reheat your leftover cauliflower soup. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as this can cause it to become grainy or separate.
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to your leftover soup while reheating. This will help to restore the smooth consistency and rich flavor of the original dish.
If you find that your reheated cauliflower soup is too thick, you can easily thin it out by stirring in some additional vegetable stock or water until you reach your desired consistency.
To add some extra flavor and texture to your reheated soup, consider topping it with fresh cauliflower florets, chickpeas, thyme leaves, grated parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of black pepper. These garnishes will help to elevate the dish and make it feel like a fresh meal.
Random Fact About Creamy Cauliflower Soup
A random fact about this creamy cauliflower soup recipe is that cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that belongs to the Brassica oleracea species, which also includes broccoli, kale, and cabbage. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
Is Making Creamy Cauliflower Soup Economical for Home Cooking?
This creamy cauliflower soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like cauliflower, onion, and garlic are relatively inexpensive. Vegetable stock and milk are also affordable staples. The only slightly pricier item is parmesan cheese, but it adds a rich flavor that elevates the dish. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $12-$15. Given its nutritional value and delicious taste, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.
Is This Creamy Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This creamy cauliflower soup recipe is relatively healthy, as it incorporates several nutritious ingredients:
- Cauliflower is low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats
- Garlic and onion offer prebiotics and immune-boosting properties
- Vegetable stock adds flavor without excessive sodium or fat
- Milk provides calcium and protein
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the soup even healthier:
- The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, which can add significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium. Reducing the amount of cheese or using a low-fat alternative could help.
- While milk provides some nutrients, using a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond or coconut milk, could reduce the overall calorie and fat content.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the vegetable content by adding carrots, celery, or leafy greens like spinach or kale
- Use whole milk or cream instead of milk for a richer flavor and texture, but be mindful of the increased calorie and fat content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, cumin, or smoked paprika, to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile without relying on excess salt or fat
- Serve the soup with a side salad or whole-grain bread to make it a more complete and satisfying meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Creamy Cauliflower Soup
This creamy cauliflower soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The use of fresh thyme adds an aromatic depth, while the parmesan cheese provides a rich, savory note. The combination of vegetable stock and milk ensures a velvety consistency. Optional garnishes like roasted cauliflower florets and chickpeas can elevate the dish, adding both visual appeal and a satisfying crunch. Overall, it's a comforting and versatile soup perfect for any season.
Enhance Your Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Why trust this Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe:
This creamy cauliflower soup recipe is a must-try for its simplicity and rich flavor. Using fresh cauliflower, onion, and garlic, it delivers a comforting bowl of goodness. The addition of vegetable stock and fresh thyme enhances the depth of flavor, while milk and parmesan cheese create a luxurious, creamy texture. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (Copycat)
Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Virginia Peanut Soup Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Greek Yogurt Pancake Recipe
Strawberry Rhubarb Almond Cake Recipe
Gluten-Free Honey Almond Cake Recipe
Tomato and Lentil Curry Recipe
Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Super Easy Cauliflower Vegetable Soup Recipe
Lemon Butter Green Beans Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Sweet Potatoes Recipe
