Warm up your winter evenings with a bowl of our Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup. This delightful recipe combines the wholesome goodness of cauliflower with the rich, comforting taste of cheddar cheese, creating a velvety and satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 sizable cauliflower heads, chopped into small florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 green onions, white part only (reserve greens for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 1 quart (32 ounces) vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onion for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Break the cauliflower heads into small florets.
- Chop the white parts of the green onions and reserve the greens for garnish.
- Shred the carrot and slice the celery.
- Sauté the Base:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped green onions, garlic, shredded carrot, and sliced celery.
- Continue to cook until the cauliflower is tender and develops a slightly golden color, approximately 5 minutes.
- Cook the Cauliflower:
- Add the cauliflower florets to the pot.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Create the Roux:
- In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Blend and Combine:
- Using an immersion blender, puree the cauliflower mixture until smooth and creamy. For a heartier consistency, consider only pureeing a portion of the soup while leaving the rest intact.
- Stir the roux into the soup until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with reserved green onion greens if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion:
This velvety Cheddar Cauliflower Soup offers a delightful combination of savory flavors and smooth textures. Ideal for both entertaining and cozy nights in, this soup promises to satisfy your cravings for a rich, cheesy treat. Pair it with some artisan bread or a fresh green salad to round out your meal and enjoy a new household favorite.