Name: Mediterranean-Style Cauliflower Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Step 1: Preheat and Prepare; Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.; Step 2: Roast the Cauliflower; Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the cauliflower evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. Stir halfway through for even roasting.; Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics; While the cauliflower roasts, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant.; Step 4: Combine the Soup Ingredients; Once the cauliflower is roasted, add it to the pot with the sautéed onion, garlic, and cumin. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.; Step 5: Blend the Soup; Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender (in batches) and blend carefully after allowing it to cool slightly.; Step 6: Add Lemon and Seasoning; Stir in the fresh lemon juice and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.; Step 7: Serve and Garnish; Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

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Looking for a vegan soup that’s both comforting and packed with nutrients? Look no further than this Mediterranean-Style Cauliflower Soup! Roasted cauliflower, garlic, cumin, and a splash of lemon combine to create a velvety, creamy soup that’s perfect for any meal. This easy-to-make dish is full of Mediterranean flavors that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or just craving a light and flavorful meal, this soup will hit the spot.

Mediterranean-Style Cauliflower Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cauliflower soup is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also healthy and satisfying. The roasted cauliflower brings out a rich, nutty flavor, while the garlic and cumin add depth and warmth. A touch of lemon balances the flavors with a refreshing zest, making each spoonful perfect. Plus, it’s super simple to make and comes together in just 50 minutes. This soup is a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan, whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a starter for a larger meal.

Ingredients

Tip: you’ll find full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for roasting)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Roast the Cauliflower

Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

While the cauliflower is roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and ground cumin, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine the Soup Ingredients

Once the cauliflower is roasted, add it to the pot with the sautéed onion, garlic, and cumin. Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Be sure to let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

Step 6: Add Lemon and Seasoning

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations

Add Creaminess: For a richer soup, stir in a few tablespoons of coconut milk or cashew cream after blending.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Add More Veggies: Toss in some carrots, celery, or parsnips with the cauliflower before roasting for added flavor and nutrients.
Herb Variations: You can also add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for a different herb profile.

Heating and Storage

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cauliflower will work just fine. Simply thaw it before roasting or skip the roasting step and sauté it directly in the pot.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Yes, you can add cooked chickpeas or lentils for extra protein. Simply stir them into the soup after blending.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.

How do I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with a little extra cauliflower or add a small potato before blending.

Can I use a different spice instead of cumin?

Yes, you can try using coriander, smoked paprika, or a curry powder blend for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this soup creamier?

To make this soup extra creamy, add a few tablespoons of coconut milk, cashew cream, or a splash of non-dairy milk before blending.

Can I make this soup spicier?

For added spice, try adding some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce.

Can I use a regular blender?

Yes, just let the soup cool a bit before blending in batches, and be cautious when blending hot liquids.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean-Style Cauliflower Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and nutrients. It’s easy to prepare, vegan, and perfect for a light meal or as a starter. The roasted cauliflower, aromatic garlic, cumin, and a touch of lemon come together to create a warm, flavorful soup that will make you feel like you’re sitting at a Mediterranean café. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!