creamy cauliflower leek soup
Cozy Up with Creamy Cauliflower Soup: A Comfort Food Classic
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And if you’re looking for a soup that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy, look no further than our Creamy Cauliflower Soup! This isn’t your average cauliflower soup – we’ve packed it with flavor using a blend of warming spices and a touch of sweetness.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or even a sophisticated starter for a dinner party. It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan with a simple substitution (see FAQs below!).
What makes this Creamy Cauliflower Soup special?
- Flavorful Spice Blend: We use a combination of cayenne pepper, allspice, and a hint of maple sugar to create a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
- Silky Smooth Texture: Blending the soup with an immersion blender creates a luxuriously creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or add other vegetables like carrots or celery.
- Optional Chive Oil: Elevate your soup with a vibrant chive oil drizzle for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a crusty bread for dipping.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Add a swirl of yogurt or a dollop of sour cream (if not vegan).
Ready to dive in? Scroll down for the full recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit any dairy garnishes and ensure your maple sugar is vegan-friendly (some brands process with bone char).
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the pot.
Q: What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
A: You can use a regular blender, but be careful when blending hot liquids. Blend in batches and vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A: Definitely! Carrots, celery, and leeks would all be delicious additions. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables.
Q: How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?
A: This soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 medium potato peeled and chopped
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon maple sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar to taste
- 2 tablespoons chives chopped, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for chive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and leek and saute for a few minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, cayenne pepper, potato, cauliflower, bay leaf, maple sugar, and allspice to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaf and blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Add red wine vinegar to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives.
- To make chive oil (optional): Blanch chives in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to an ice bath. Blend blanched chives with olive oil and strain through a sieve. Drizzle over soup before serving.
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