Ultra-Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and ultra-creamy soup that’s also packed with nutrients, this Ultra-Creamy Cauliflower Soup is the perfect dish. Made with just one head of cauliflower and a generous cup of grated cheese, this soup is a delicious way to enjoy the delicate flavors of cauliflower, elevated by the richness of , cream, and a touch of nutmeg. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a starter for a more elaborate meal, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower
1 cup grated cheese (100 g, choose your favorite type)
5 tablespoons olive oil (70 g)
5 tablespoons flour (40 g)
1 3/4 cups broth (420 ml, vegetable or chicken)
Nutmeg, pepper, and salt (to taste)
1 egg yolk
1 cup cream (240 ml)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Carrots (optional, for added sweetness and nutrition)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Making the Broth:
Cook the Cauliflower: Begin by cutting the cauliflower into florets. Bring 450 ml of salted water to a boil in a large pot, then add the cauliflower florets. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
Drain and Reserve the Broth: Drain the cooked cauliflower into a sieve, ensuring to catch the vegetable broth in a separate bowl. This broth is full of flavor and will form the base of your soup. Set both the cauliflower and the broth aside.
Creating the Base:
Make the Roux: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and bubbling, gradually stir in the flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, until it turns a golden color. This step, known as making a roux, will give your soup a rich, velvety texture.
Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the reserved cauliflower broth and the additional broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken. The consistency should be smooth and creamy.
Season: Season the soup base with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. The nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the cauliflower and cheese perfectly.
Adding the Creamy Goodness:
Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the grated cheese, cream, and egg yolk. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will add a luxurious creaminess and a rich flavor to your soup.
Incorporate the Cream Mixture: Slowly pour the cheese and cream mixture into the soup base, stirring constantly to prevent the egg yolk from curdling. Continue to cook the soup over low heat until everything is well combined and the cheese has fully melted into the soup, creating a silky smooth texture.
Bringing It All Together:
Add the Cauliflower: Gently add the reserved cauliflower florets to the soup. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soup at this stage using an immersion blender or a regular blender, but be careful as the soup will be hot. For a chunkier texture, simply stir the florets into the soup.
Optional Additions: If you’re adding carrots, peel and dice them into small pieces. They can be cooked alongside the cauliflower or added directly to the soup during the cooking process. The carrots will add a subtle sweetness and a boost of vitamins to your soup.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Optional Additions
Carrots: For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding diced carrots along with the cauliflower. They will enhance the soup’s sweetness and provide a boost of vitamins and fiber.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or sharp cheddar, to create unique flavor profiles.
Tips for Success
Use the Cauliflower Cooking Water: Utilize the water used to cook the cauliflower as part of your broth for an extra burst of flavor.
Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh cauliflower and good-quality cheese will elevate the taste of your soup.
Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and nutmeg, which can significantly impact the final flavor of the soup.
Leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
Nutritional Info:
Serving Size: 1 bowl (based on 4 servings)
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal
Total Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 160mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 10g
Conclusion
This Ultra-Creamy Cauliflower Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a warm, velvety texture and rich flavor with each spoonful. The combination of tender cauliflower, rich cheese, and a hint of nutmeg makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the luxurious creaminess and the satisfying, comforting flavors that come together in this simple yet elegant dish.