Creamy Roasted Cauliflower & Leek Soup with Basil Swirl
This luxuriously creamy soup is a delightful combination of roasted cauliflower, leeks, and garlic, offering a rich and comforting flavor profile. Originating from Clean Eating Magazine, it brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables while the roasted garlic adds depth. Perfect for meal prepping, this soup can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for a month, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Garnished with a vibrant basil puree, each bowl delivers a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the overall experience. Enjoy this soup hot and savor the delightful aroma and flavor, perfect for any season.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Leeks
3 (white part only, washed and thickly sliced)
Garlic
1/2 head (cut so cloves are exposed)
Cauliflower
1 large head (cut into florets)
Olive Oil
1-2 tablespoons (for roasting)
Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
3 cups (for soup base)
Bay Leaves
3 (for flavoring)
Skim Milk
1 cup (for creaminess)
Fresh Basil
3 cups (shredded for basil puree)
Hot Water
3 tablespoons (for blending with basil)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large baking sheet in the oven as it heats.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced leeks, exposed garlic cloves, and cauliflower florets. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season with sea salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Toss everything together until nicely coated.
3
Once the oven has preheated, carefully remove the baking sheet and spread the vegetable mixture evenly on it. Roast in the center of the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender.
4
Remove the garlic cloves from the baking sheet and set them aside. Scrape the roasted leeks and cauliflower into a large saucepan. Add the chicken broth and bay leaves to the saucepan. Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze the soft garlic from the skins into the pot, discarding the skins. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the leeks are very tender.
5
In batches, puree the soup using a food processor or blender until smooth, then return it to the saucepan. Stir in the skim milk, then gently reheat the soup over low heat before serving.
6
To make the basil puree, place the shredded fresh basil in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons of hot water and blend until smooth. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and add a spoonful of basil puree into each. Use a toothpick to swirl the basil into the soup for an artistic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this soup recipe?
The recipe is Creamy Roasted Cauliflower & Leek Soup with Basil Swirl.
How many leeks do I need for this recipe?
You will need 3 leeks, using the white parts only, washed and thickly sliced.
What size cauliflower should I use?
The recipe calls for one large head of cauliflower cut into florets.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long do the vegetables need to roast?
Roast the cauliflower and leeks for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
How much garlic is required?
You need 1/2 head of garlic with the cloves exposed for roasting.
What spices are used to season the vegetables?
The vegetables are seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon each of sea salt, ground black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
How long can I store this soup in the refrigerator?
The soup can be safely refrigerated for up to five days.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to one month.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe originates from Clean Eating Magazine.
How much chicken broth is used in the base?
The recipe requires 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, although it calls for chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
How do I prepare the basil puree?
Blend 3 cups of shredded fresh basil with 3 tablespoons of hot water until smooth.
Why are bay leaves used in the recipe?
Three bay leaves are added during simmering to provide extra depth and flavoring.
How do I extract the roasted garlic?
Once the garlic has cooled slightly, squeeze the soft garlic out of the skins directly into the pot.
When should I add the milk to the soup?
Stir in the milk after the soup has been pureed and returned to the saucepan.
How is the basil swirl created?
Ladle the soup into a bowl, add a spoonful of basil puree, and use a toothpick to swirl it artistically.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one cup of skim milk for a creamy texture.
What part of the leeks should be used?
Use the white parts of the leeks only for this soup.
How much olive oil is used for roasting?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil to coat the vegetables before roasting.
What equipment is needed to blend the soup?
You can use either a food processor or a blender to puree the soup in batches.
How long should the soup simmer?
Simmer the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes until the leeks are very tender.
Is it necessary to preheat the baking sheet?
Yes, placing the baking sheet in the oven as it heats helps the vegetables roast more effectively.
How many bay leaves are needed?
The recipe specifies using 3 bay leaves.
How much hot water is needed for the basil puree?
You will need 3 tablespoons of hot water for blending with the basil.
What is the benefit of roasting the garlic?
Roasting the garlic adds a rich depth and natural sweetness to the soup.
Can this soup be served cold?
While it is best enjoyed hot, it can be reheated gently over low heat before serving.
How much fresh basil is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded fresh basil.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutrient-dense vegetables like cauliflower and leeks.
What is the best way to serve this soup for guests?
Serve it hot in individual bowls with a fresh basil puree swirl for a vibrant and professional presentation.