Creamy Swiss Cauliflower Delight
Indulge in the rich and velvety goodness of Creamy Swiss Cauliflower Delight, a refreshing twist on traditional cauliflower soup. This delightful dish combines tender florets of cauliflower simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs, blended into a luxurious creamy base enriched with Swiss cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests at gatherings, this soup is both comfort food and gourmet cuisine. Serve it warm with bubbly cheese topping for a satisfying experience that beckons everyone for seconds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2 medium (Quarter one onion; stuff the cloves into the second onion.)
Whole cloves
4 (For stuffing into one onion.)
Water
4 cups (To be combined with broth.)
Condensed chicken broth
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans (Undiluted.)
Leeks
3 medium (Sliced.)
Carrots
3 medium (Sliced.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
Dried marjoram
1 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
Dried celery seed
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
Ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
Cauliflower
1 medium head (Broken into florets (about 6 cups).)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (To thicken the soup.)
Heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup (To enrich the soup.)
Egg yolks
2 (Beaten.)
Swiss cheese
1/2 lb (Sliced into 4-inch x 1/2-inch strips.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the onions: quarter one onion and insert cloves into the second onion for added flavor. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and condensed chicken broth. Add the quartered onion, whole onion with cloves, sliced leeks, sliced carrots, and all seasonings including salt, marjoram, celery seed, nutmeg, and white pepper.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. After that, add the cauliflower florets and continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
3
Remove the pot from the heat and carefully discard the whole onion stuffed with cloves. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Gradually add a small amount of the hot soup into the cream mixture to temper it, then return this mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly to combine.
4
Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes, stirring as needed to ensure a creamy consistency.
5
Ladle the soup into individual ramekins and generously top each with strips of Swiss cheese. Place the ramekins under a broiler set to high, and broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth and richness of this delightful dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Swiss Cauliflower Delight?
It is a rich and velvety cauliflower soup made with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a luxurious creamy base enriched with Swiss cheese.
How many onions are needed and how are they prepared?
You need two medium onions. One should be quartered, and the second one should have cloves inserted into it for added flavor.
How many whole cloves are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for four whole cloves, which are stuffed into one of the onions.
What type of broth is used for the soup base?
The recipe uses two 10.5-ounce cans of undiluted condensed chicken broth combined with four cups of water.
Which vegetables besides cauliflower are included?
The soup includes three medium sliced leeks, three medium sliced carrots, and two medium onions.
What seasonings are used in this cauliflower soup?
The seasoning blend includes salt, dried marjoram, dried celery seed, ground nutmeg, and white pepper.
How long should the initial broth and vegetable mixture simmer?
The mixture should be brought to a boil and then simmered, covered, for 15 minutes.
When is the cauliflower added to the pot?
The cauliflower florets are added after the initial 15-minute simmer of the other vegetables.
How long does the cauliflower need to cook?
The cauliflower should simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
Do I leave the whole onion in the soup when serving?
No, you should carefully discard the whole onion stuffed with cloves after the vegetables have finished simmering.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened using a mixture of one tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream.
How do I prevent the cream and egg mixture from curdling?
You should gradually add a small amount of the hot soup into the cream and egg yolk mixture to temper it before returning it to the saucepan.
What is the final simmering time after adding the cream?
Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes, stirring as needed to ensure a creamy consistency.
How is the Swiss cheese used in this recipe?
The soup is ladled into individual ramekins and topped with strips of Swiss cheese before being broiled.
How much Swiss cheese is required?
You will need 1/2 pound of Swiss cheese, sliced into 4-inch by 1/2-inch strips.
What is the best way to melt the cheese on top?
Place the cheese-topped ramekins under a broiler set to high, 4-6 inches from the heat, for 3-5 minutes until bubbling and golden.
How much cauliflower is needed for the recipe?
You need one medium head of cauliflower, which should yield about 6 cups of florets.
What role do the egg yolks play?
The two beaten egg yolks help enrich the soup and add to its velvety, luxurious texture.
Why is white pepper used instead of black pepper?
White pepper is used to provide a subtle heat and spice without leaving dark specks in the creamy white soup.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a perfect comfort food that is also suitable for gourmet dining.
Can this soup be served as an appetizer?
Yes, based on the tags, it is appropriate as an appetizer or a main course.
What kind of cream should I use?
The recipe specifies heavy whipping cream for maximum richness.
What is the purpose of the ground nutmeg?
Nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic depth that traditionally pairs well with cream-based and cheese dishes.
How should the leeks and carrots be cut?
Both the leeks and the carrots should be sliced before being added to the broth.
Does the soup use dried or fresh herbs?
The recipe calls for dried marjoram and dried celery seed.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 16 total ingredients including seasonings and cheeses.
Is the cauliflower boiled or simmered?
The cauliflower is simmered uncovered until tender to develop flavor without overcooking.
Can I use diluted chicken broth?
The recipe specifically asks for undiluted condensed chicken broth to maintain a rich flavor profile.
What type of container should I use for broiling?
Individual ramekins are recommended for the best presentation and even melting of the Swiss cheese.
What should the final cheese topping look like?
The Swiss cheese should be bubbling and have a golden brown color after broiling.