Roasted Cauliflower Soup

4-Ingredient Roasted Cauliflower Soup

This comforting roasted cauliflower soup is simple yet rich in flavor, with just a few ingredients that come together to create a creamy, satisfying dish. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and imparts a depth of flavor that belies the recipe’s simplicity. Top it off with smoked paprika oil for an elegant finishing touch.

Ingredients

Serves: 4 (about 6 cups)

     •    1 large head of cauliflower approximately 2 pounds, trimmed and broken into florets

• 1 large onion (or 1 leek, cleaned and sliced)
• 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled (optional)
• 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• Salt, to taste
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Prepare to Roast:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

     ○ Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.

1. Roast the Vegetables:
   • Spread the cauliflower, onion (or leek), and garlic (if using) on the baking sheet.
   • Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, toss to coat evenly, and season lightly with salt.
   • Roast for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway, until the cauliflower and onion are golden and caramelized.
2. Blend the Soup:
   • Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large saucepan. If you used garlic, peel it before adding it to the pan.
   • Add 4 cups of vegetable stock and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
   • Turn off the heat, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender. (Alternatively, carefully blend in batches using a countertop blender.)
3. Season and Finish:
   • Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
   • In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika.
4. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with the paprika oil for a pop of flavor and color.
   • Enjoy hot, with optional crusty bread or additional garnishes like croutons, pesto, or chili crisp.

Tips

• Use fresh cauliflower: Frozen cauliflower is not recommended as it releases too much water during roasting, which prevents browning.
• Blending safety: If using a countertop blender, avoid overfilling and allow steam to escape by leaving the center of the lid slightly open (cover with a towel to prevent splashes).
• Garnish creatively: Consider topping with grated cheese, crispy bacon, or a dollop of yogurt for added flavor.

This roasted cauliflower soup is a delicious, nutritious way to warm up on chilly days while keeping the ingredients and preparation fuss-free!