Transport your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean with this incredibly delicious and nourishing Mediterranean Cauliflower Soup. This isn’t just any cauliflower soup; it’s a Roasted Cauliflower Soup, which means the vegetables are roasted first to bring out their deep, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors. This simple step transforms the soup from good to absolutely unforgettable. It’s a naturally Creamy Cauliflower Soup that is packed with the savory flavors of garlic and herbs, then finished with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon. This is the perfect Easy Cauliflower Soup for a light lunch or a cozy dinner.
Why This is the Ultimate Healthy Cauliflower Soup
This recipe is the perfect blend of elegant flavor and wholesome nutrition.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Roasting the cauliflower and garlic is the secret to a deep, caramelized, and savory flavor that you can’t get from simply boiling the vegetables.
- Naturally Creamy: Blending the roasted cauliflower creates a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture without the need for any heavy cream.
- Healthy and Nourishing: This is a fantastic Healthy Cauliflower Soup that is packed with vegetables, is naturally low-carb, and is a perfect Vegetarian Cauliflower Soup.
- Simple and Easy to Make: While it tastes like a gourmet dish from a fancy restaurant, the process is incredibly simple and straightforward.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
This recipe uses a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients for its signature Mediterranean flavor.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, left in their skins
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The secret to this easy recipe is roasting the vegetables first for maximum flavor.
Part 1: Roast the Vegetables
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the Veggies: On a large, rimmed baking sheet, combine the cauliflower florets and the chopped onion. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Add the unpeeled garlic cloves to the pan. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Roast to Perfection: Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and has beautiful caramelized, golden-brown edges.
Part 2: Simmer and Blend
- Squeeze the Garlic: Once the vegetables are done roasting, carefully squeeze the softened, roasted garlic from their skins. Discard the papery skins.
- Combine in a Pot: Transfer all of the roasted vegetables (cauliflower, onion, and the roasted garlic) to a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth. Add the dried oregano and dried thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it is completely smooth and velvety.
Part 3: Finish and Serve
- Add the Final Touches: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Taste and Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, another drizzle of good olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I have to roast the cauliflower first for this soup? While you could make this Easy Cauliflower Soup by simply boiling the vegetables, roasting them is what elevates this recipe to the next level. Roasting the cauliflower brings out a deep, nutty sweetness that you just can’t achieve otherwise. It’s the key step for a truly flavorful Roasted Cauliflower Soup.
2. How do I make this soup even creamier? This soup is naturally creamy from the blended cauliflower. However, if you want an even richer, more decadent Creamy Cauliflower Soup, you can stir in about ½ cup of full-fat canned coconut milk or a splash of heavy cream at the very end (with the heat off).
3. Is this soup good for meal prep? Yes, this is a fantastic soup for meal prep! The flavors actually get even better the next day. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
4. What can I serve with this Mediterranean Cauliflower Soup? This soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also wonderful served with a side of warm, crusty bread or pita for dipping. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be a perfect pairing for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.