Description
This velvety soup comes together quickly with cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, and a few simple seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs / 900g), chopped into florets
- 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (12 fl oz / 354ml) evaporated milk
- 1 cup (4 oz / 115g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional for garnish: chopped chives, crumbled bacon, extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the cauliflower florets and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches in a standard blender.
- Stir in the evaporated milk, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
- Place the pot over low heat and warm through gently, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted. Do not let the soup boil.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm, with optional toppings if desired.
Notes
- Blender Safety: If using a standard blender, do not fill it more than halfway. Remove the center cap from the lid and cover the opening with a folded kitchen towel to allow steam to escape safely.
- Cheese: For the smoothest texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain additives that can prevent them from melting smoothly.
- Vegetarian Option: Vegetable broth works just as well as chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Blending
- Cuisine: American