Make this rich and comforting soup by roasting the cauliflower and garlic first for deep flavor. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and thickens nicely with cheese.
Author:Chloe Thompson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Soup
Method:Roasting and Simmering
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 head garlic, top sliced off
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cauliflower florets and the whole garlic head with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and lightly browned. Squeeze the roasted garlic pulp from its skin into a small bowl.
In a large pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the roasted cauliflower, roasted garlic pulp, vegetable broth, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until completely smooth and velvety.
Return the soup to low heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. If using, stir in the heavy cream. Do not boil after adding cheese.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, omit the cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Instead, blend in 1/2 cup of soaked raw cashews or 1/4 cup of full-fat coconut milk at the end for creaminess.
Roasting the vegetables is key to developing a deeper flavor profile compared to boiling.
If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.