Vegan Cauliflower Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. This soup highlights the natural sweetness of cauliflower and is made rich and velvety without any dairy, using plant-based ingredients instead. It’s the perfect soup for a chilly day, offering warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or just looking for a healthier option, this cauliflower soup is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Cauliflower Soup is incredibly creamy and smooth, with a depth of flavor from roasted cauliflower, onions, garlic, and seasonings. It’s a light yet satisfying soup that’s packed with nutrients from cauliflower, garlic, and fresh herbs. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and full of antioxidants, making it as nourishing as it is delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or water for a lighter version)

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for a golden color)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

2. Cook the Cauliflower:

• Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and stir well with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to soften slightly and pick up some flavor from the sautéed vegetables.

3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:

• Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and add the dried thyme, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and bring the soup to a simmer.

4. Simmer the Soup:

• Once the soup is simmering, cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Blend the Soup:

• After the cauliflower has cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

6. Add the Plant-Based Milk:

• After blending, stir in the unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred plant-based milk) and bring the soup back to a simmer. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

7. Finish with Lemon Juice:

• If desired, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the soup and balance the flavors.

8. Serve and Garnish:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, velvety goodness!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Roasted Cauliflower Soup: For a deeper, richer flavor, roast the cauliflower before adding it to the soup. Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, then add it to the soup pot to simmer.

• Add Greens: You can add fresh spinach, kale, or arugula to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.

• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier version, add a can of coconut milk or cashew cream to the soup instead of almond milk.

• Spicy Cauliflower Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the soup for a little heat.

• Herb Variations: You can experiment with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano to add even more flavor to your soup.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken slightly when chilled, but you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out when reheating.

• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave for a quick meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup without a blender?

Yes, you can make this soup chunky instead of creamy if you prefer. Simply mash the cauliflower with a potato masher for a chunkier texture or leave it as is for a more rustic feel.

2. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used in place of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the soup.

3. Can I use other types of plant-based milk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have almond milk, you can use any other plant-based milk, such as oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture.

4. How do I prevent the soup from being too thin?

For a thicker soup, you can add more cauliflower or cook it longer until it breaks down further. Alternatively, add a small amount of potato or a tablespoon of cashew butter to thicken the soup.

5. Can I add protein to this soup?

Yes! You can add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or beans to make the soup more filling and protein-rich. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a salad for added nutrition.

6. Can I use vegetable broth cubes or bouillon?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth cubes or bouillon for the liquid broth, but make sure to adjust the seasoning (especially salt) to account for the extra salt in those products.

7. How do I make this soup more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add additional herbs or seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

This Vegan Cauliflower Soup is creamy, flavorful, and nourishing, making it the perfect comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients, it comes together quickly and is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free. The rich, velvety texture and subtle cauliflower flavor, enhanced by a few seasonings, make this soup a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or just looking for a healthy, satisfying soup, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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