Cheesy Cauliflower Soup: A Comforting and Guilt-Free Delight
Earlier this week, I was rummaging through the depths of my dresser, trying on pair after pair of jeans for a work event. As I struggled to squeeze into each one, my daughter, Gwen, sat on the bed cheering me on. “Mom, you look pretty!” she exclaimed, and “Good job, Mommy!” Needless to say, I’ll never go clothes shopping without my personal cheerleader by my side again.
But today, I’m here to cheer you on to try my Cheesy Cauliflower Soup. This dreamy, velvety soup is like a decadent cheese sauce-topped vegetable dish, but without the guilt of heavy cream. Instead, a truckload of fresh veggies, including carrots, celery, onion, cauliflower, and sweet corn, are simmered in a thickened broth made from both milk and chicken broth. Then, freshly shredded, sharp cheddar cheese is stirred in for a rich and indulgent flavor.
Home Cooking Rocks is the perfect place to find this cozy and comforting soup recipe. It’s the ultimate in guilt-free indulgence, satisfying your cravings for a cheesy, creamy soup without the heavy cream.
The Secret to Creamy Perfection
My cauliflower cheese soup is thickened in two ways to achieve that velvety, luxurious texture. First, I sauté chopped carrots, celery, and shallot or onion in butter until they’re tender, about 8-10 minutes. I season them with my homemade seasoned salt and pepper, then add freshly minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.
Next, I sprinkle in some gluten-free flour (you can use all-purpose flour, but the soup won’t be gluten-free) and stir and cook for 2 minutes. This helps create a roux, which thickens the soup. Then, I add chicken broth and milk, bring it to a boil, and add the chopped cauliflower. I let it simmer until the cauliflower is fall-apart tender.
Once the cauliflower is cooked through, I scoop out 2 cups and blend it in a blender until it’s super smooth and velvety. If you have an immersion blender, you can use that instead. I pour the blended soup back into the pot, stir in some frozen sweet corn and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and voila – a decadent, creamy soup without a drop of heavy cream in sight.
The Perfect Comfort Food for Any Season
This Cheesy Cauliflower Soup is the ultimate cozy, comforting dish, perfect for any season. In the winter, it’s a soul-warming delight, and in the summer, it’s a light and refreshing way to enjoy your veggies. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from all the fresh produce, so you can indulge without the guilt.
Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or just want a satisfying and nutritious meal, this Cheesy Cauliflower Soup is sure to hit the spot. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, you’ll be whipping up batch after batch in no time.
So why not give this guilt-free, veggie-packed soup a try? Your tastebuds (and your waistline) will thank you. Grab your blender and get ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, cheesy deliciousness. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here are the nutritional facts for a 1-cup serving of this Cheesy Cauliflower Soup:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 174 |
Total Fat | 10g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Cholesterol | 30mg |
Sodium | 562mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 12g |
Dietary Fiber | 3g |
Total Sugars | 5g |
Protein | 10g |
As you can see, this soup is packed with nutrients and relatively low in carbs and sodium, making it a guilt-free and healthy option. Enjoy!