Velvety Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Soup Recipe: A Creamy Winter Comfort

Comfort meets elegance in this Ina Garten cauliflower soup recipe that promises to warm your soul and delight your palate.

Smooth, velvety, and packed with rich flavors, this soup brings gourmet simplicity to your kitchen.

cauliflower takes center stage, blending perfectly with creamy ingredients and subtle seasonings.

The recipe captures the essence of sophisticated home cooking with minimal effort.

Each spoonful offers a luxurious experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Hearty and satisfying, this soup transforms an ordinary vegetable into a culinary masterpiece.

Grab your favorite pot and get ready to savor a bowl of pure deliciousness that will elevate your weeknight dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredient List for Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup

For Roasting Base:
  • Cauliflower: Delivers rich, nutty flavor when roasted, selecting fresh and firm heads with creamy white color and no brown spots.
  • Shallots: Provides delicate sweetness, choosing firm bulbs without soft or sprouting areas.
  • Garlic: Offers deep, mellow undertones, picking plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
For Liquid and Enhancing Components:
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates smooth soup foundation, selecting low-sodium options for better control of salt levels.
  • Miso Paste: Introduces umami depth, preferring white or yellow varieties for milder flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Adds silky texture and richness, using extra virgin for best taste profile.
For Finishing and Brightening Elements:
  • Thyme Leaves: Introduces herbal complexity, selecting fresh sprigs for robust aroma.
  • Mustard: Provides subtle tang and depth, choosing Dijon for smooth integration.
  • Lemon Juice: Balances flavors and adds brightness, using fresh-squeezed for vibrant taste.
  • Microgreens: Offers delicate garnish and visual appeal, selecting crisp and fresh varieties.

Tools to Make Cauliflower Soup Easily

  • Large Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting cauliflower, shallots, and garlic evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Large Pot: Perfect for simmering vegetables and blending soup ingredients.
  • Blender: Crucial for creating a smooth, creamy soup texture.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps wrap and roast shallots and garlic with minimal mess.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting cauliflower into uniform pieces.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning and oil quantities.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring and transferring ingredients.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup

How to Prepare Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Comfort

  • Oven Warmup

Set the kitchen guardian (oven) to a cozy 400°F, creating a perfect roasting environment for our vegetable star.

  • Cauliflower Transformation

Break down the cauliflower into tender florets, spreading them generously across a parchment-lined baking landscape. Drizzle with olive oil’s golden touch, then sprinkle with salt and pepper’s magic.

  • Flavor Companions

Nestle shallots and garlic in a foil cocoon, wrapped with a whisper of olive oil and salt. Slide everything into the oven’s warm embrace for a 30-35 minute flavor adventure.

  • Liquid Symphony

Gently awaken vegetable broth in a spacious pot, letting it simmer with quiet anticipation.

  • Vegetable Harmony

Combine roasted vegetables and fragrant thyme into the simmering broth, allowing flavors to dance and meld together for 15 peaceful minutes.

  • Silky Smoothness

Transfer the mixture to a blender, introducing miso, mustard, olive oil, and a bright splash of lemon. Whirl until the soup becomes a luxurious, creamy dream.

  • Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasonings, letting your palate guide the final touches. Crown with delicate microgreens if desired, transforming a simple soup into a culinary masterpiece.

Variations for Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup

Variations for Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup
  • Experiment with different vegetables like brussels sprouts or carrots alongside cauliflower for added depth and complex flavor profiles.
  • Incorporate warming spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or curry powder during roasting to transform the soup's traditional taste into a more adventurous experience.
  • Stir in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or toasted almonds just before serving to increase the soup's nutritional value and provide delightful texture contrasts.
  • Replace olive oil with heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, more luxurious soup consistency that feels indulgent and comforting.

Serving Ideas for Cauliflower Soup

  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, artisan sourdough or rustic baguette to dunk into the creamy soup, soaking up all the rich, roasted flavors.
  • Elevate with Crispy Toppings: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, crispy pancetta bits, or herbed breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunch and textural contrast.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup's earthy notes with a crisp, unoaked chardonnay or a light, refreshing sauvignon blanc that cuts through the richness.
  • Create a Wholesome Meal: Transform the soup into a complete dinner by serving alongside a simple green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and grilled chicken or fish.

How to Store and Reheat Cauliflower Soup

  • Refrigerate and Refresh: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the consistency becomes too thick, restoring its creamy smoothness.
  • Garnish Revival Tip: Hold off on adding microgreens or any fresh herbs until just before serving. This keeps the garnishes crisp and prevents wilting, maintaining the soup's visual appeal and fresh taste.
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Velvety Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Velvety Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s comforting cauliflower soup blends creamy textures with rich, earthy flavors. Smooth ingredients create a luxurious bowl perfect for warming winter meals you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (2 lbs / 907 g)
  • 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2 shallots, peeled and quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
  • 5 thyme sprigs (leaves only)
  • ½ tbsp white miso paste
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Microgreens (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring even roasting of vegetables.
  2. Vegetable Prepping: Chop cauliflower into uniform pieces, including the core. Spread on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper. Create a foil packet for shallots and garlic, adding olive oil and salt.
  3. Roasting Phase: Place vegetables in the oven, roasting for 30-35 minutes until cauliflower develops golden-brown edges and shallots and garlic become caramelized and soft.
  4. Broth Integration: Warm vegetable broth in a large pot over medium heat. Remove shallots and garlic from foil, peel, and transfer roasted vegetables into the simmering broth. Add thyme leaves, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Blending Process: Transfer hot mixture to blender, allowing slight cooling. Incorporate miso paste, mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice. Puree until achieving a velvety smooth texture.
  6. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice. Serve in bowls, garnishing with delicate microgreens for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Roast with Care: Golden-brown edges on cauliflower create deeper, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the entire soup’s taste.
  • Temperature Matters: Allow hot mixture to cool slightly before blending to prevent dangerous steam pressure and potential kitchen accidents.
  • Flavor Balancing Act: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, using salt and lemon juice to create a harmonious and bright flavor profile.
  • Texture is Key: Blend thoroughly to achieve a luxuriously smooth consistency, ensuring no chunky bits disrupt the soup’s silky texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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