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–+ servings
Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Soup – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Soup

A ridiculously easy, velvety, and cheesy masterpiece that's pure comfort in a bowl. Ready in just 30 minutes, this rich and satisfying soup is perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 serving
Calories: 223

Ingredients
  

  • START TO FINISH: 30 minutes MAKES 6 servings
  • 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) chopped green onions, from about 8 onions
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) olive oil
  • 5 cups (1200 ml) (1.2 L) savory vegetable broth, divided
  • 5 cups (1 lb) / 450g small cauliflower florets
  • 1/4 cup (30 g / 1.06 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (4 oz) / 113g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (4 oz) / 113g shredded American cheese
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) snipped fresh chervil or parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) cracked black pepper
  • For the best flavor and smoothest melt, use a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy texture.
  • For an even creamier, velvety soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after the cauliflower is tender but before adding the cheese.
  • A pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard stirred in with the cheese can add a wonderful depth and tang to the final soup.

Method
 

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the green onions in hot olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Carefully pour in 4 cups (960 ml) of the vegetable broth, increase the heat, and bring to a boil.
  2. Add the cauliflower florets, return to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  3. Cook, uncovered, for 6 to 8 minutes until the cauliflower is just fork-tender.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) of cold vegetable broth until smooth, creating a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering soup, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  5. Continue to cook and stir until the soup has slightly thickened and is bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat to prevent the cheese from separating. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and American cheese, a handful at a time, until completely melted and the soup is smooth.
  7. Finish by stirring in the fresh chervil or parsley, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.
  9. When making the flour slurry, always use cold or room temperature broth.
  10. Whisking flour into hot liquid is a sure way to create lumps.

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 12gFat: 15g

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