Cheesy Cauliflower Soup: A Comforting and Creamy Delight

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Cheesy Cauliflower Soup is a warm, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. This soup combines tender cauliflower florets with fresh vegetables and a rich cheese sauce to create a deliciously satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delectable soup.

Ingredients

  • 2 heads cauliflower, broken into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 green onions, using only the white parts (save the green parts 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 greens, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Wash and break the cauliflower heads into small florets.
  2. Shred the carrot and slice the celery.
  3. Chop the white parts of the green onions and reserve the green parts for garnish.
  4. Chop the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped green onion whites, garlic, shredded carrot, and sliced celery.
  3. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Cauliflower

  1. Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
  2. Add the vegetable broth and water to the pot.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

  1. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If you lack an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup in batches in a regular blender until smooth, then pour it back into the pot.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk, continuously whisking to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
  4. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Heat

  1. Pour the cheese sauce into the blended soup and stir to combine.
  2. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Ladle the cheesy cauliflower soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with the reserved green onion greens if desired.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

Cheesy Cauliflower Soup is a delicious and creamy dish that is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. The combination of tender cauliflower, fresh vegetables, and rich cheese sauce makes this soup a comforting and nutritious meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful flavors and creamy texture of this Cheesy Cauliflower Soup, and share it with your family and friends for a cozy, comforting meal.