If you picked up a head of cauliflower on your last grocery shopping trip, you probably have everything you need to make this Cream of Cauliflower soup. Contrary to the recipe title, the soup is actually dairy-free, gluten-free and completely vegan — thanks to the naturally creamy texture cauliflower takes on when cooked and pureed.
With only five ingredients (plus water), this soup comes together in a flash. Serve it as an easy first course when entertaining, or enjoy with some crusty bread for lunch.
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
3 Tbs. olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds cauliflower, cored, separated into florets and cut into slices 1/4 inch thick
In a pot over medium-low heat, warm the 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and saute until tender, about 12 minutes. Add the cauliflower, another pinch of salt and 1 cup water. Cover and simmer until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes. Uncover, add another 4 cups water, raise the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer and continue to cook for another 20 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return to the pot and heat through over low heat. Thin the soup with water, if necessary, and season with salt. Ladle into serving bowls, drizzle with the olive oil and season with pepper. Serve right away. Serves 4 to 6.
Find more fresh, seasonal recipes in our cookbook Williams-Sonoma Cooking from the Farmers’ Market.
5 comments
Made this last night and used low sodium, fat free chicken broth instead of water, it was not bland, had a great flavor and was a hit with even my hubby, will make this again. It could be the great base for any cream style soup for someone watching their calories or who just prefers to eat healthy. Add cooked chicken or seafood a few new potatoes and other veggies and you have the makings of a nice hearty soup 🙂
Thanks WX, I love this blog, have made several of the recipes and they have all ben great!
I will make this but use a veggie or chicken broth instead of water 🙂
As much as I love easy recipes I found this to be bland.
Almost a waste of cauliflower that could have been used to make “fried rice”
Thanks William Sonoma for this blog, The Blender. I look forward to many more.
Cauliflower is really quite wonderful. It can sub for potato, make a pizza “crust”, and will be absolutely yummy just roasted tossed in some olive oil and your favourite spices.