This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner! An easy Curried Cauliflower soup yields a creamy, spicy, and flavorful soup and requires only a few ingredients and only 30 minutes to make. You can use fresh or frozen cauliflower in this recipe. Make a batch in advance and serve it with Focaccia bread for a delicious and quick dinner.😋😉
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What is Cauliflower Soup?
Cauliflower soup is a type of soup made primarily with cauliflower as the main ingredient. It is typically a creamy soup, with the cauliflower blended into a smooth puree with other ingredients such as onion, garlic, and cream or milk. Different seasonings and ingredients, such as curry powder, cinnamon, apples, or chicken bouillon, can also add flavor and texture to the soup. Cauliflower soup is often a popular choice for those looking for a comforting and healthy meal, as cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable with vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and add a rich, fruity flavor to the soup.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup.
- Anaheim pepper: Adds a mild heat and subtle smokiness to the soup.
- Carrot: Sweetens and adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Celery: Brings a slight bitterness and herbal note to the soup.
- Garlic: Provides a pungent and savory flavor to the soup.
- Curry powder: A blend of spices that includes turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other warming spices that give the soup its distinct curry flavor.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warming and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
- Knorr Chicken Flavored Bouillon: A seasoning mix that adds a savory, umami flavor to the soup.
- Cauliflower: The star of the soup, it provides a creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor.
- Apple: A tart and sweet addition to balance out the spice in the soup.
- Water: Provides the liquid base for the soup.
- Kosher salt: Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Indian red chili powder, cayenne, or ground black pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the soup.
- Honey: Balances out the spice in the soup with a touch of sweetness.
- Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup and can also help balance the dish's spiciness.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Cauliflower Soup
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, anaheim pepper, carrot, and celery and cook, occasionally stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until softened, about 30 seconds more. Next, add the curry powder, Indian red chili pepper, and cinnamon, and cook a few minutes more.
Add the cauliflower, apple, water, and chicken bouillon. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 20 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender. Using an immersion or standard blender, purée the cauliflower soup in batches until smooth enough for your taste.
If using a standard blender, do not fill the jar more than half full per batch, leave the hole in the lid open, cover it with a clean dishtowel to allow the heat to escape), and pour it back into the saucepan. Stir in the honey and heavy cream. Bring the Cauliflower Soup to a simmer, and taste and adjust the season with kosher salt, if needed. Ladle the Cauliflower Soup into bowls and top with a drizzle of heavy cream. Enjoy! Pair with our Perfect Focaccia Bread.
Substitutions
- Olive oil: Can be substituted with another neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.
- Yellow onion: Can be substituted with white or red onion.
- Anaheim pepper: This can be substituted with another mild pepper, such as poblano or cubanelle.
- Carrot: Can be substituted with sweet potato or butternut squash for a sweeter flavor or with parsnip for a slightly nutty taste.
- Celery: Can be substituted with fennel for a similar flavor profile.
- Garlic: This can be substituted with garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.
- Curry powder: Can be substituted with garam masala or a blend of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger.
- Cinnamon: Can be omitted or substituted with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
- Knorr Chicken Flavored Bouillon: This can be substituted with vegetable or mushroom bouillon or omitted and replaced with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Cauliflower: Can be substituted with broccoli or a combination of both.
- Heavy cream: This can be substituted with half-and-half, whole milk, or non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk for a vegan option.
- Indian red chili powder, cayenne, or ground black pepper: Can be adjusted to taste or omitted altogether for a milder version of the soup.
Variations
- Roasted cauliflower: Roast it in the oven for a nuttier, caramelized flavor instead of boiling it.
- Thai-style cauliflower soup: Swap out the curry powder and cinnamon for red curry paste and lemongrass, and add coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Creamy cauliflower and potato soup: Add diced potatoes for a heartier and creamier texture.
- Moroccan-spiced cauliflower soup: Use ras el hanout spice mix instead of curry powder, and add chickpeas and dried apricots to the soup.
- Curried cauliflower and lentil soup: Add red lentils to the soup for added protein and fiber, and top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt.
- Smoky cauliflower soup: Add smoked paprika and chipotle peppers for a smoky and spicy twist on the original recipe.
- Vegan cauliflower soup: Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy and vegan option.
- Garnishes: Top the soup with croutons, toasted nuts, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Spicy Curried Cauliflower Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your preferences. The soup can be enjoyed as a satisfying and warming meal or paired with a side dish such as crusty bread or a simple green salad. Garnish the soup with fresh chopped herbs or a sprinkle of Indian red chili powder to add flavor.
Pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a quesadilla filled with cheese and diced vegetables for a heartier meal. Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future meals. Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat until heated, stirring occasionally, and enjoy a comforting and healthy meal anytime.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat: Transfer it to a saucepan over medium-low heat or in a microwave-safe container.
Stir the soup occasionally until it is heated through. If the soup has become too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the Cauliflower soup's texture may change slightly upon reheating, especially if it has been frozen, but this can be remedied by adding a splash of cream or milk to the soup while reheating. Be careful not to overheat the soup, which can cause it to lose flavor and nutrients.
Make-Ahead
Making Spicy Curried Cauliflower Soup ahead of time can save time and make meal planning easier. To make ahead, cook the Cauliflower soup according to the recipe instructions and let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for three days or in the freezer for three months. When you're ready to serve the soup, reheat it on the stove or microwave, occasionally stirring until heated.
You could add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened during storage. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper till the desired amount. You can also freeze the soup in portions, taking out only what you need for a quick meal.
How to Freeze
I don't recommend it; it is due to the cream affecting the recipe.
Tips for Making The Best Cauliflower Soup
- Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients: Use fresh and good-quality vegetables, spices, and broth to ensure the best flavor and texture of the soup.
- Cut the cauliflower into small pieces: Cut it into small, evenly sized pieces so it cooks evenly and purees smoothly.
- Sweat the vegetables before adding the broth: Cook the onions, celery, carrots, and pepper until tender and slightly caramelized. This will add a depth of flavor to the soup.
- Use an immersion blender or blend in batches: An immersion blender makes pureeing the soup much easier and quicker, but a regular blender will also work if you don't have one. Blend the soup in batches, and be careful not to overfill the blender.
- Add the spices gradually: Add the spices gradually to the soup and taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Don't overcook the cauliflower: Overcooking it can make it mushy and flavorless. Cook until it is tender but still has some texture.
- Use heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy texture: Adding heavy cream or coconut milk to the soup will give it a rich and creamy texture. Adjust the amount to your liking.
FAQ
Is Cauliflower soup vegan?
The original recipe calls for heavy cream, which is not vegan, but you can use full-fat coconut milk instead to make it vegan.
Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
You can use a regular blender to puree the soup, but make sure to blend it in batches and not overfill the blender.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the Cauliflower soup?
You can adjust the soup's spiciness by adding more or less Indian red chili powder, cayenne, or ground black pepper to your liking.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon?
You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon to make the soup vegetarian or vegan.
Can I use other vegetables besides cauliflower in this Cauliflower soup?
Add other vegetables, such as broccoli, sweet potato, or butternut squash, to the Cauliflower soup for flavor and nutrition. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked through.
Can I make Cauliflower soup gluten-free?
The original recipe calls for Knorr Chicken flavored Bouillon, which may contain gluten. To make Cauliflower soup gluten-free, use a gluten-free chicken broth or Bouillon. You can also double-check the ingredients of the curry powder to ensure it doesn't contain any gluten.
Related Recipes:
- Indian Spiced Red Lentil Soup
- Simple Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup
- Perfect Pumpkin Soup
- Easy Homemade Tomato Soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Recipe
Easy Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion , chopped
- 1 Anaheim pepper , chopped
- 1 carrot , chopped
- 1 celery stalk , chopped
- 4 garlic cloves , chopped
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons Knorr Chicken flavored Bouillon
- 1 head cauliflower (2½ to 3 pounds), cut into small florets or Frozen cauliflower
- 1 tart yet sweet apples , such as Honey crisp or Granny Smith, peeled and roughly chopped
- 6 cups water
- kosher salt , to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Indian red chili powder , cayenne, or ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, anaheim pepper, carrot, and celery and cook, occasionally stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until softened, about 30 seconds more. Next, add the curry powder, Indian red chili pepper, and cinnamon, and cook a few minutes more.
- Add the cauliflower, apple, water, and chicken bouillon. Bring to a boil, and then turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 20 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Using an immersion blender or a standard blender, purée the cauliflower soup in batches until smooth enough for your taste. If using a standard blender, take care not to fill the jar more than half full per batch, leave the hole in the lid open, cover with a clean dishtowel to allow the heat to escape), and pour it back into the saucepan.
- Stir in the honey and heavy cream. Bring the Cauliflower Soup to a simmer, and taste and adjust season with kosher salt, if needed. Ladle the Cauliflower Soup into bowls and top with a drizzle of heavy cream. Enjoy! Pair with our Perfect Focaccia Bread.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.