This luscious cream of cauliflower soup is a perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. With a creamy texture and a blend of savory flavors, it's both comforting and nutritious. Whether you're looking for an elegant starter or a satisfying main course, this soup is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in your kitchen. You might need to get celery seed and dry mustard from the supermarket, as these add unique flavors that elevate the soup. Also, ensure you have fresh parmesan cheese to give the soup a rich, nutty finish.
Ingredients For Cream Of Cauliflower Soup
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup.
Celery: Provides a subtle aromatic flavor that complements the cauliflower.
Butter: Used to sauté the onion and celery, adding richness.
Cauliflower: The star ingredient, giving the soup its creamy texture and mild flavor.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes to the soup base.
Celery seed: A seasoning that intensifies the celery flavor.
Dry mustard: Adds a slight tang and complexity to the soup.
Garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a mild garlicky taste.
Seasoning salt: Balances the flavors and adds a seasoned touch.
Heavy cream: Creates a rich and velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish to the soup.
One reader, Fredi Dube says:
This cream of cauliflower soup is a delight! The blend of cauliflower, spices, and parmesan creates a rich, comforting flavor. It's easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Making Cream of Cauliflower Soup
How to cook onions and celery until tender: Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until they are tender, making sure not to brown them. How to blend soup until smooth: Use a hand blender to blend the soup mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. How to simmer soup: After blending, add the heavy cream and continue to simmer the soup for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens. How to season with salt and pepper: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavor. How to stir in parmesan cheese: Add the parmesan cheese to the soup and stir until it is fully incorporated and melted.
How To Make Cream of Cauliflower Soup
In just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty soup for lunch or appetizer with our easy and creamy cauliflower soup recipe made with fresh cauliflower and more.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1small onion,diced
- 2stalkscelery
- 2tbspbutter
- 8cupsfresh cauliflower
- 3cupschicken broth
- ½tspcelery seed
- ½tspdry mustard
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ¼tspseasoning salt
- ¾cupheavy cream
- ½cupfresh parmesan cheese,grated, optional
Instructions
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Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion and celery until tender (do not brown).
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Add the cauliflower, broth, and seasonings. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender.
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Blend using a hand blender until smooth. Add the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until thickened.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Stir in the parmesan cheese, if using.
Nutrition
- Calories: 409.76kcal
- Fat: 30.04g
- Saturated Fat: 17.86g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.88g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.44g
- Carbohydrates: 21.52g
- Fiber: 4.99g
- Sugar: 9.37g
- Protein: 16.77g
- Cholesterol: 94.44mg
- Sodium: 757.82mg
- Calcium: 320.78mg
- Potassium: 968.68mg
- Iron: 1.68mg
- Vitamin A: 276.66µg
- Vitamin C: 105.76mg
Expert Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Cream of Cauliflower Soup
When blending the cauliflower mixture, ensure it is smooth and velvety by using a high-speed hand blender. If you don't have a hand blender, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender. Just be cautious with the hot liquid and blend in small amounts to avoid splattering. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy, luxurious texture in your soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, celery, and cauliflower in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to save time on preparation.
Blender efficiency: Use a hand blender directly in the pot to avoid transferring hot soup to a blender.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the celery seed, dry mustard, garlic powder, and seasoning salt before starting.
Quick cheese prep: Buy pre-grated parmesan cheese to save time on grating.
Substitute Ingredients For Cream of Cauliflower Soup Recipe
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a similar flavor profile but are slightly sweeter and milder.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and adds a slight anise flavor that complements the soup.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat option and a subtle flavor that works well in soups.
cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli has a similar texture and can create a creamy soup with a different but pleasant flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great option for vegetarians and maintains the soup's flavor.
celery seed - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy flavor and can add a unique twist to the soup.
dry mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a similar tangy flavor and can be used in a slightly larger quantity.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more robust flavor; use about one clove for every 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
seasoning salt - Substitute with herb salt: Herb salt adds a blend of herbs and spices that can enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a slight sweetness, making it a good dairy-free alternative.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative to parmesan.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Soup Experience
Use a pristine white bowl: The clean, simple lines of a white bowl will allow the creamy, velvety texture of the cream of cauliflower soup to stand out.
Garnish with a drizzle of truffle oil: A few drops of truffle oil will add an earthy aroma and elevate the flavor profile of the soup.
Add a sprinkle of microgreens: Top the soup with a small handful of microgreens for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Incorporate a parmesan crisp: Create a delicate parmesan crisp by baking grated parmesan cheese until golden and crispy. Place it gently on the side of the bowl for an elegant touch.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread on the side will complement the creamy texture of the soup and provide a satisfying crunch.
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper: A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper will add a subtle kick and enhance the overall flavor.
Use a small dollop of crème fraîche: Add a small spoonful of crème fraîche in the center of the soup for a rich, tangy contrast.
Serve with a sprig of fresh herbs: A sprig of fresh thyme or parsley can add a touch of elegance and a burst of herbal aroma.
Present with a small spoonful of caviar: For an ultra-luxurious touch, add a small spoonful of caviar on top of the crème fraîche, offering a burst of briny flavor.
Ensure perfect temperature: Serve the soup at the ideal temperature, warm but not too hot, to ensure the flavors are at their peak and the texture remains smooth and inviting.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cream of Cauliflower Soup
Medium saucepan: Used to cook the onion and celery until tender and to simmer the cauliflower and broth mixture.
Hand blender: Essential for blending the soup until smooth directly in the saucepan.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the seasonings like celery seed, dry mustard, garlic powder, and seasoning salt.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
Knife: For chopping the onion and celery.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup as it simmers.
Ladle: Useful for serving the soup once it's ready.
Grater: Needed if you're using fresh parmesan cheese and need to grate it.
Salt and pepper mill: For seasoning the soup to taste before serving.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Cream of Cauliflower Soup
- Allow the cream of cauliflower soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to 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:
- 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.
- Cream of cauliflower soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed soup gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling the soup, as it may cause the cream to separate.
- If the soup appears slightly separated or grainy after thawing and reheating, use an immersion blender to puree it again until smooth.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed, as freezing can sometimes alter the flavors slightly.
- For best results, consume the reheated soup within 2-3 days.
How To Reheat Leftover Cream of Cauliflower Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover cream of cauliflower soup to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out. Heat until the soup reaches your desired temperature.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover soup to a slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cover and let the soup reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftover soup and want to keep it warm for an extended period.
Immersion blender method: if the reheated soup appears grainy or separated, use an immersion blender to quickly blend the soup until it regains its smooth and creamy texture. This method works well with any of the reheating methods mentioned above.
Garnish and serve: once the soup is heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the reheated cream of cauliflower soup in bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese, a drizzle of heavy cream, or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
Interesting Trivia About Cream of Cauliflower Soup
A random fact about this cream of cauliflower soup recipe is that cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that belongs to the Brassica oleracea species, which also includes broccoli, kale, and cabbage.
Is Making Cream of Cauliflower Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This cream of cauliflower soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like cauliflower, onion, and celery are generally affordable. The use of chicken broth and heavy cream adds a bit to the cost but not significantly. The parmesan cheese is optional, which can further reduce the expense. Overall, this recipe rates a solid 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12 USD.
Is Cream of Cauliflower Soup Healthy?
The cream of cauliflower soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to some of its ingredients. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- The recipe includes butter and heavy cream, which are high in saturated fat and calories. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- The recipe calls for chicken broth, which can be high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
- On the positive side, cauliflower is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases.
- The recipe includes some healthy seasonings, such as garlic powder and mustard, which can provide additional health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the butter with a healthier fat, such as olive oil or avocado oil, which are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
- Use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives to heavy cream, such as almond milk or coconut milk, to reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories in the soup.
- Opt for low-sodium or homemade chicken broth to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Increase the amount of cauliflower and other vegetables, such as carrots or spinach, to boost the nutrient content of the soup.
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices, like thyme or cumin, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt.
Editor's Opinion: Why I Love Cream of Cauliflower Soup
This cream of cauliflower soup recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and rich flavors. The use of fresh cauliflower ensures a vibrant taste, while the combination of celery, onion, and seasonings adds depth. The heavy cream and parmesan cheese provide a luxurious, velvety texture. However, consider roasting the cauliflower first to enhance its natural sweetness and add a subtle, smoky flavor. Overall, it's a comforting and elegant dish perfect for any occasion.
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Why trust this Cream of Cauliflower Soup Recipe:
This cream of cauliflower soup recipe is a must-try because it combines the rich flavors of fresh cauliflower, onion, and celery with the creamy goodness of heavy cream and parmesan cheese. The use of chicken broth and a blend of spices like celery seed, dry mustard, and garlic powder ensures a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is straightforward, easy to follow, and results in a delicious, velvety soup that is perfect for any occasion.
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