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Cauliflower Soup

A nourishing and comforting cauliflower soup balanced with depth and simplicity, flavored with caramelized onions, butter, and sharp cheddar cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 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, no need to peel
  • 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, chopped (about 4 cups)
Liquids and Thickening Agents
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
Cheese and Garnish
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • Fresh thyme optional
  • Hearty pieces buttered bread for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until softened.
  2. Add chopped cauliflower, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Pour in chicken stock, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until veggies are tender.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a separate pot, melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour over melted butter and whisk for 1 minute.
  2. Gradually add milk while whisking. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until thickened, but do not boil. Stir in cheese until melted.
Combine and Serve
  1. Reduce soup heat to low. Pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot and stir. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  2. For a creamier soup, blend 1 to 2 cups and stir back into the pot.
  3. Ladle into bowls, top with more cheese and fresh thyme if desired, and serve with toasted buttered bread.

Notes

Serve warm in shallow bowls to allow the aroma to unfurl. A rustic smear of extra butter on thickly toasted bread, torn and set beside the bowl, makes each spoonful richer. Sprinkle a few delicate thyme leaves just before serving — they will scent the steam and lift the flavors like a faint, herbaceous promise.