Cream Of Cauliflower Soup

 

Cream of Cauliflower Soup, also known as the Creamy Cauliflower Soup, is a thick, rich and creamy soup dish made with cauliflower as the main ingredient. The preparation owes its dense and creamy texture to the use of heavy cream, butter, milk and white sauce as essential ingredients. These are often used in combination with each other. The soup, in its most basic form, is a mellow and pleasant preparation that is often quick and easy to make.

 

With 194 calories, 5.2 grams of fat and 13 milligrams of cholesterol, an average sized (100g.) serving of the Creamy Cauliflower Soup is healthier than most other creamy soups.

 

Cream of Cauliflower Soup Recipe Overview

 

Ingredients Used: Ingredients traditionally used in the preparation of the Creamy Cauliflower Soup include butter, heavy cream, milk, cauliflower (fresh), broth (mostly chicken and preferably homemade), oil and a light seasoning of salt and pepper. Carrot, onion, tomato, potato, leeks, peas and cabbage are often added to the soup as these vegetables complement cauliflower really well and add taste to the preparation. A few recipes even call for the use of meats; bacon, ham and chicken being the most preferred. Herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, rosemary, chili powder, paprika, chili paste, add flavor and aroma to the dish.

 

Preparation Overview: Cream of Cauliflower Soup is a fairly easy preparation and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to make 3 to 4 average sized servings. To make the soup, the cauliflower (and other vegetables and/or meats, if used) is stir-fried in butter or oil for a few minutes and then mixed together with the cream, butter, milk and white sauce. The concoction is blended for a few seconds and transferred to a large cooking pot along with all the other ingredients. The pot is placed over direct heat and the soup is cooked till it is rich, creamy and dense.

 

Popular Cream of Cauliflower Soup Recipe Variations

There are many variations of the traditional Cream of Cauliflower Soup. While some recipes require the use of more vegetables, some others call for the addition of meat. To make a thicker soup, a few recipes suggest addition of cheese, egg yolk or cornflower. The vegan version of the soup is made with a vegetable broth and it eliminates the use of all dairy products and meats. Butter, cream, milk, etc., are replaced by coconut milk and olive oil. There is also a low-fat, low-calorie version of the soup made with margarine, light cream, skimmed milk and boiled or baked vegetables/meats instead of fried ones. For people who are lactose intolerant, the soup is made without any milk or milk products. Coconut milk takes the place of all dairy products.

 

Serving Suggestions

Cream of Cauliflower Soup is often served hot, as an appetizer or starter. Toasted breads with butter and/or marmalade are popular accompaniments. Filling versions of the soup, made by adding more vegetables, meats and/or noodles, can be served as a part of the main course, or even an entire meal. During summer months, the soup is often served cold and enjoyed as a mid-day or evening snack. Croutons and shredded cheeseare a popular garnish.

 

Creamy Cauliflower Soup Trivia

Cream of Cauliflower Soup is packed with nutrients and often prescribed to patients healing from a long illness, diabetics and dieters on a restricted diet. To make it more suitable for everyday consumption, many rich ingredients like cream, butter, etc., are replaced with lighter, healthier options.