Creamy Cauliflower White Cheddar Soup
Warm up your evenings with this delightful Creamy Cauliflower White Cheddar Soup, a soothing and hearty dish that's perfect for cooler weather. Inspired by a Healthy Cooking pamphlet, this recipe highlights the wonderful flavors of roasted cauliflower and rich white cheddar cheese. The smooth texture, combined with a hint of nutmeg, creates a comforting bowl that will surely impress your family and friends. With easy preparation and wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Enjoy it as a side dish or a satisfying main course. If you love cauliflower like my husband does, this recipe is a must-try!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
onion
1 (diced)
chicken stock
4 cups (unsalted or salted)
cauliflower
1 head (cut into florets (about 2 1/2 lbs))
evaporated skim milk
2 cups (None)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (grated)
white cheddar cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (None)
salt
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and translucent.
2
Add the cauliflower florets to the saucepan, and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn light golden brown.
3
Pour in the chicken stock, evaporated skim milk, grated nutmeg, and freshly ground pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5
Carefully remove 1 cup of the cauliflower florets and set them aside for later.
6
Using a blender or food processor, puree the soup until it is completely smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot over low heat.
7
Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and the reserved cauliflower florets. Stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
8
Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cauliflower White Cheddar Soup?
It is a soothing and hearty soup featuring roasted cauliflower flavors, rich white cheddar cheese, and a hint of nutmeg.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include cauliflower, white cheddar cheese, chicken stock, onion, evaporated skim milk, olive oil, and nutmeg.
How much cauliflower is required?
You will need one head of cauliflower, which is approximately 2.5 pounds, cut into florets.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the diced onion in olive oil for 5 to 8 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock, which would also make the recipe fully vegetarian.
Why is evaporated skim milk used?
Evaporated skim milk provides a creamy texture while keeping the soup lighter and lower in fat than heavy cream.
What role does nutmeg play in this soup?
A hint of grated nutmeg is added to enhance the flavor profile and provide a subtle warmth to the dish.
How much white cheddar cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded white cheddar cheese.
Why do I need to reserve some cauliflower florets?
One cup of florets is set aside before pureeing to add texture and chunks back into the final smooth soup.
How do I puree the soup?
You can use a blender or a food processor to puree the mixture until it is completely smooth.
What is the cooking time for the cauliflower florets in the pan?
Cook the florets for about 5 minutes until they turn a light golden brown before adding the liquid.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 10 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender enough to be pierced with a fork.
Is this soup considered a healthy option?
Yes, it uses wholesome ingredients like cauliflower and evaporated skim milk, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Can I use regular cheddar instead of white cheddar?
While white cheddar is recommended for its specific flavor, you can use regular cheddar if necessary.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe uses 9 ingredients in total.
When should I add the cheese?
Stir in the shredded cheese at the very end after the soup has been pureed and returned to low heat.
Is this a good recipe for fall?
Yes, its warm and comforting nature makes it a perfect dish for cooler weather and autumn evenings.
Should the chicken stock be salted?
You can use either salted or unsalted chicken stock depending on your dietary preference.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be diced before sautéing.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a satisfying main course or as a side dish.
How do I adjust the final flavor?
Taste the soup after the cheese has melted and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, both a blender and a food processor work well for pureeing this soup.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low for simmering.
Does the recipe require fresh nutmeg?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg, which is best when freshly grated.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, creamy soups like this often hold up well and can be reheated gently on the stove.
What should the cauliflower look like before pureeing?
It should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Is there any oil used in the recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the vegetables.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The soup is smooth and creamy with occasional whole florets for texture.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Stir the cheese in over low heat until it is fully melted and incorporated into the pureed base.