Description
Hearty roasted cauliflower soup delivers comforting warmth with Mediterranean nuances. Silky smooth textures and rich garlic notes invite home cooks to savor each spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs / 907 g)
- 1 (32 oz / 946 ml) box low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 4 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small bunch fresh thyme
- 0.5 small lemon
Instructions
- Roasting Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 425°F (218°C), creating optimal caramelization environment.
- Cauliflower Preparation: Transform whole cauliflower into uniform 1-inch florets, ensuring consistent sizing for even heat distribution and golden transformation.
- Initial Seasoning: Coat cauliflower pieces comprehensively with extra virgin olive oil, then generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
- Roasting Process: Arrange seasoned cauliflower on rimmed baking sheet in single layer, roasting for 20-25 minutes and rotating midway to achieve rich caramelized edges and intensified sweetness.
- Aromatic Base Development: While cauliflower roasts, sauté finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic in large soup pot until translucent, releasing complex fragrant undertones.
- Flavor Merging: Transfer roasted cauliflower to pot, reserving select florets for garnish, then introduce vegetable or chicken broth, fresh thyme leaves, and complementary seasonings.
- Simmering Stage: Bring mixture to gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop deep, nuanced flavor profile.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from heat, incorporate fresh lemon juice for brightness, then purée using immersion or standard blender until achieving silky, luxurious texture.
- Presentation: Adjust seasoning, ladle into serving vessels, and garnish with reserved roasted florets and delicate thyme leaves, creating visually appealing and flavor-rich soup experience.
Notes
- Roast with Precision: Cut cauliflower into uniform 1-inch pieces to guarantee even caramelization and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Maximize Flavor Development: Rotating the baking sheet midway through roasting ensures deep golden-brown edges and intensifies the cauliflower’s natural sweetness.
- Blending Techniques Matter: Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup or transfer to a standard blender, ensuring a silky-smooth consistency without lumps.
- Brightness Booster: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a vibrant, fresh note that cuts through the soup’s richness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg