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Smoky Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic Soup

This soup features roasted cauliflower and garlic to develop rich caramelized flavors, creating a smooth, velvety texture when blended. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness and smoky notes, resulting in a comforting bowl with a deep, complex flavor profile.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower preferably trimmed into florets
  • 4 cloves garlic whole cloves, skin on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth heated
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot or saucepan
  • Immersion blender or regular blender

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cauliflower florets and whole garlic cloves evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat, then roast until golden and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
  2. While the vegetables roast, chop the onion into small pieces. In a large pot, sauté the onion in a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Once the cauliflower and garlic are roasted and cooled slightly, add them to the pot with sautéed onions. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin and mash it slightly as you add it.
  4. Pour in the heated vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Carefully transfer the hot soup to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a velvety texture without any lumps.
  6. Return the blended soup to the pot (if transferred to a regular blender) and warm over low heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
  7. Once heated through and seasoned to your liking, ladle the soup into bowls. The soup should be rich, with a smooth, slightly thickened consistency and a smoky, caramelized aroma.

Notes

For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor before serving.