Curried Cauliflower Soup

Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Curried Cauliflower Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This creamy soup is packed with flavor from the curry powder and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Curried Cauliflower Soup has its roots in Indian cuisine, where curry powder is commonly used to add a spicy and aromatic flavor to dishes. This recipe takes traditional cauliflower soup to the next level by incorporating curry powder for a unique and delicious twist.

Ingredients

2 tsp canola oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.75 tsp curry powder
0.75 lb (340 g) cauliflower florets, coarsely chopped
1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced
2 cup 1% milk
2 cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a stockpot over medium heat.
Saute the onion and garlic for 2 minutes.
Add the curry powder and saute for 30 seconds.
Add the cauliflower and potato to the pan.
Pour in the milk and broth, then reduce the heat to simmer.
Cook the mixture, partially covered, on low for 20 minutes.
Transfer the contents of the stockpot to a blender (in two batches if necessary).
Blend the soup until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper.

Variations

Add a can of chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
Stir in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients.
Top with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the cauliflower and potato into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- For a smoother soup, blend the mixture in batches in a blender until it reaches your desired consistency.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences - you can always add more for a spicier flavor.

- For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk with coconut milk or almond milk.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Curried Cauliflower Soup hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering

- Blending

Ingredient Substitutions

Canola oil: olive oil, vegetable oil

- Curry powder: garam masala, turmeric, cumin

Make Ahead Tips

Curried Cauliflower Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a sprig of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Curried Cauliflower Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 70% of daily value

- Vitamin A: 15% of daily value

- Calcium: 20% of daily value

- Iron: 10% of daily value

Alergens

Contains dairy (milk)

Summary

Curried Cauliflower Soup is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Curried Cauliflower Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Curried Cauliflower Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Margaret's house for the weekend. Aunt Margaret was always experimenting in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and flavors that she picked up from her travels around the world.

On that particular weekend, Aunt Margaret decided to make a batch of Curried Cauliflower Soup for lunch. I remember walking into the kitchen and being hit with a wave of exotic aromas – the spicy scent of curry, the earthy smell of cauliflower, and the warm, comforting aroma of homemade broth. I watched in fascination as Aunt Margaret chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and simmered spices, all with a look of pure joy on her face.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, Aunt Margaret beckoned me over and handed me a spoonful to taste. I tentatively took a sip, unsure of what to expect. But the moment that spicy, creamy, and utterly delicious soup hit my taste buds, I was hooked. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this soup myself.

Aunt Margaret noticed my enthusiasm and smiled knowingly. "Would you like to learn how to make this soup, dear?" she asked. I nodded eagerly, and so began my journey into the world of Curried Cauliflower Soup.

Aunt Margaret guided me through the recipe, explaining each step in detail and sharing her tips and tricks for getting the perfect balance of flavors. She showed me how to sauté onions and garlic until they were golden and fragrant, how to add the curry powder and spices at just the right moment to unlock their full potential, and how to simmer the cauliflower until it was tender and velvety.

But more than just the technical aspects of cooking, Aunt Margaret also taught me the importance of patience, creativity, and love in the kitchen. She encouraged me to taste as I cooked, to adjust seasonings to my own preferences, and to never be afraid to experiment and make a recipe my own.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the Curried Cauliflower Soup was finally ready. Aunt Margaret ladled out steaming bowls of soup, garnished with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. We sat down at the table together, savoring each spoonful in companionable silence.

As I slurped up the last of my soup, I knew that I had discovered a new favorite recipe, one that I would cherish and pass down through the generations. And so, with Aunt Margaret's guidance and approval, I added the recipe for Curried Cauliflower Soup to my ever-growing collection of family recipes.

Over the years, I have made this soup countless times, tweaking the ingredients and proportions to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have shared it with friends, family, and neighbors, all of whom have raved about its comforting flavors and warming spices.

And now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of Curried Cauliflower Soup on the stove, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful weekend at Aunt Margaret's house. That one recipe opened up a whole world of culinary possibilities for me, inspiring me to try new flavors, experiment with different ingredients, and create my own signature dishes.

So here's to Curried Cauliflower Soup – a recipe that has brought me joy, comfort, and a whole lot of delicious meals over the years. And to Aunt Margaret – my mentor, my inspiration, and the woman who taught me that a good meal is made with love, patience, and a generous sprinkle of spices. Cheers!