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Cauliflower Soup

A silken, restorative bowl of Cauliflower Soup, enriched with a creamy cheese sauce and comforting aromatics.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetable Base
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 3/4 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced baby gold potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 head cauliflower (about 4 cups chopped)
  • 3 cups chicken stock
Cheese Sauce
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Serving Suggestions
  • fresh thyme (optional)
  • Hearty buttered bread for serving

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until softened.
  2. Add cauliflower, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Add chicken stock, stir, and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until veggies are tender.
Cheese Sauce Preparation
  1. In a separate small pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Sprinkle flour over the top, whisking constantly for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually add milk while whisking, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
Combining and Serving
  1. Reduce soup heat to low, pour cheese sauce into the soup pot, stir, and adjust seasoning to taste.
  2. For a creamier texture, blend 1 to 2 cups of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
  3. Ladle into bowls, top with more cheese and fresh thyme if desired, and serve with toasted, buttered bread.

Notes

Soften the vegetables slowly; the gentle caramelization of onion and carrots lends depth without sweetness becoming cloying. Adjust salt after adding cheese; sharp Cheddar carries saltiness that can sneak up on you.