Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

Creamy, rich, cheesy, spicy - I'd say this soup is more like a chowder but since I neglected to put any potatoes in it, I suppose it really is a soup. Regardless of what you want to call it, a bowl of this creamy spicy invention was just what the tastebuds craved on what we call "Almost Meatless Monday".

As you all know by now, my Eastern Oregon cowboy doesn't do meatless and I tricked him last night with a soup and sandwich combo.  I had a head of cauliflower in the fridge that had seen better days, so I cut off the discolored spots and divided the head into florets. It hit the soup pot after I'd sauteed some onion, celery and carrots, along with a touch of cayenne pepper, curry powder, nutmeg, salt and pepper. A couple of cups of chicken stock, some whole milk and cheese rounded out the pot, and we pretty well had what amounted to a meal in a bowl.

We had our soup "garnished" with grilled gruyere and ham sandwiches that I whipped up on some rustic boule slices, slathered with coarse ground Dijon mustard and a touch of mayo and dipped in an egg/milk mixture. Fried on a hot grillpan, they were a cheesy crispy accompaniment to a soup hearty enough to fly on its own. This isn't your usual bland and boring cauliflower soup either. I hope you'll give it a try soon! Download Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

Cheesy Cauliflower Soup (inspired by Taste of Home)

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 large carrots, chopped

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

1 medium head cauliflower broken into florets

3 cups chicken stock

1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)

2 cups whole milk (divided)

4 tablespoons Wondra (instant blending flour)

4 ounces grated cheese (cheddar, swiss, 4 cheese blend, Velveeta or a combination)

Heat butter and vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until vegetables are soft – about 5 minutes. Add cayenne pepper, curry powder, nutmeg, salt and pepper and cook for additional 2 minutes. Add cauliflower, chicken stock and chicken bouillon. Stir well to combine, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until vegetables are cooked. Whisk flour into half cup of milk until smooth, and to pot along with remaining milk. Simmer for additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cheese and stir until melted. Do not allow to boil. Makes 8 servings.

Comments

[Mags]

You know how I love soup. This is definitely going on my "must try" list.

That sammie sounds pretty darn good too!

[Nanan]

I knew you would have to have a curry flavor popping up sometime soon! This looks lovely - I did too with my chicken soup - but don't tell William - I told him it was more South-Western because I put in New Mexican Chile powder - but my sister said - I smell curry!! and almost blew my cover!!!! hehehehehe He is home with a bit of a cold - we are hoping it is not the flu - quick - wipe your puter down with Lysol! This soup and sandwich look devine!!!!!!!! Quite comforting and snuggly! Perfect for the rainy weather we have been having!

[Judy]

A great way to use cauliflower. this is definitely soup weather.

[June]

Mags - we loved it. I think next time I will add some potatoes though. Let me know what you think!

Lea - the curry added an amazingly different twist to the flavor, particularly along with a touch of cayenne and the nutmeg. There wasn't enough cayenne or curry to make it "hot", just quite different. Lucky you & rain - we'd love some please!

Judy - it sure is soup weather in many parts of the country and this'll warm your socks! Thanks for visiting and for leaving a comment - I'd love to hear from you again!

[pam]

The perfect dinner - soup and grilled cheesy sandwich!

[June]

So true Pam and it made for a darn fine lunch as well!

[Joanne]

Wow! Are we are the same page? Had some cauliflower needing to be cooked and found this great soup recipe. Had a pastrami/swiss on a french roll and soup, made our day (Sparky too)!

[June]

Yum - it's KGB isn't it...that's kinda' good boy!