Creamy Ina Garten Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Creamy cauliflower soup whispers comfort through its velvety embrace, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary symphony.

Roasted florets mingle with fragrant herbs, creating a luxurious blend that dances on your palate.

Subtle nutmeg and garlic weave magic into every spoonful, transforming humble vegetables into a sophisticated masterpiece.

Silky smooth textures promise warmth and nourishment with each delicate sip.

Seasonal ingredients collaborate to craft a bowl brimming with pure, rustic elegance.

Professional and home cooks alike will marvel at this simple yet stunning recipe that elevates cauliflower to celestial heights.

Grab your ladle and surrender to this soul-soothing gastronomic adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Ina’s Creamy Cauliflower Soup

• Yellow Onions: Choose firm, heavy bulbs with dry, papery skins for the sweetest flavor and best caramelization.
• Celery Root: Select smooth, firm roots without soft spots or excessive blemishes for best texture.
• Fennel: Pick bulbs with bright white flesh, crisp layers, and fresh green fronds for maximum sweetness.

• Chicken Stock: Opt for low-sodium, high-quality stock with rich, clear appearance for depth of flavor.
• Water: Use filtered water to ensure clean, pure taste in the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Select fresh, high-butterfat cream for luxurious, silky consistency.

• Kosher Salt: Use coarse-grain salt for precise seasoning control and clean mineral taste.
• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil with robust, fruity notes for foundational flavor.
• Homemade Croutons: Create from day-old crusty bread for maximum crunch and rustic texture.
• Chives: Pick bright green, firm herbs with vibrant color and sharp, oniony aroma.

Tools List for Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Soup

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for slow cooking and developing deep flavors.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise chopping of onions, celery root, and fennel.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing vegetables with ease.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurately portioning chicken stock and water.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot while sautéing.
• Blender or immersion blender: Essential for creating a silky smooth soup texture.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the hot soup into bowls.
• Bowls: Serving vessels to showcase your delicious creation.
• Chive scissors or small knife: Perfect for finely chopping fresh chives as a garnish.

How to Prepare Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Soup

• Kickstart the Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a hefty pot over gentle heat. Tumble in chopped onions and let them dance and soften for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn delicately translucent.

• Build Vegetable Depth

Toss in diced celery root and fennel, allowing them to sizzle and release their aromatic essence for roughly 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.

• Introduce Cauliflower and Liquid Magic

Cascade cauliflower florets into the pot along with rich chicken stock and a sprinkle of salt. Bring the mixture to a bubbling boil, then dial back the heat to a gentle whisper. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables surrender completely.

• Amplify and Concentrate Flavors

Add a splash of water, returning the pot to a boil before reducing to a lazy simmer. Let it bubble uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine and cauliflower to surrender its texture.

• Transform into Silky Elegance

Pulverize the soup using a blender until impossibly smooth. Swirl in heavy cream, taste, and adjust seasoning. Warm gently to preserve its luxurious character.

• Serve with Flourish

Pour the creamy soup into waiting bowls. Crown with crispy croutons and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve immediately to capture its peak deliciousness.

Tweak Your Soup Like Ina with These Tips

• Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that keeps the same luxurious texture and rich flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper during sautéing to introduce a subtle warmth and depth that transforms the entire dish's character.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that brings a subtle tropical hint and maintains the soup's silky smoothness.
• Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a quick, comforting meal ready when hunger strikes or unexpected guests arrive.

Serve Cauliflower Soup with Ina’s Elegant Touch

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic sourdough or baguette to soak up the creamy soup, adding delightful texture and complementing its velvety consistency.
• Craft a Wine Companion: Select a crisp Chardonnay or light Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the soup's delicate flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Design a Side Salad: Toss a simple green salad with mixed herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted nuts to balance the soup's richness and add a fresh, light element to the meal.
• Create a Protein Boost: Top with shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy pancetta bits for added protein and a satisfying crunch that elevates the overall dining experience.

Storage Advice for Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Soup

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover soup in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for up to 4 days. The creamy texture might slightly change, but flavors remain deliciously intact.
• Freeze with Finesse: Carefully transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste when reheated.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Gently warm soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to restore original silky consistency if needed.
• Garnish Revival: Refresh chilled soup by adding new croutons and chopped chives just before serving. This simple trick instantly revives the soup's visual appeal and brings back its original vibrant presentation.

Silky Cauliflower Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cauliflower soup blends creamy richness with delicate flavor profiles from roasted vegetables. Home cooks can enjoy this elegant French-inspired recipe that delivers comfort and sophistication in each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 cups yellow onions, chopped
• 2 cups celery root, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups fennel, diced into 1-inch pieces (core and stalks removed)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus extra for serving
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken stock
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) heavy cream
• Kosher salt to taste
• Homemade croutons for serving
• Fresh chives, chopped for serving

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: In a Dutch oven, warm olive oil over medium-low heat. Gently cook yellow onions until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
2. Layer Aromatics: Introduce diced celery root and fennel to the softened onions. Sauté for 5 minutes, allowing vegetables to release their fragrant essences and gradually tenderize.
3. Build Soup Base: Add cauliflower florets, chicken stock, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let ingredients meld together for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are completely tender.
4. Intensify Flavors: Pour in water and continue simmering uncovered for 20 minutes. This process concentrates the soup’s depth and breaks down vegetable fibers, creating a more robust flavor profile.
5. Smooth and Finish: Purée the soup using a blender until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Reintroduce to the pot, gently stir in heavy cream, and season to taste. Warm through carefully to preserve the delicate consistency.
6. Elegant Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish with crisp croutons and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives, transforming this rustic vegetable soup into an elegant culinary experience.

Notes

• Sauté Secrets: Avoid browning onions to maintain a delicate, sweet flavor profile that won’t overpower the subtle cauliflower essence.
• Vegetable Layering: Cook root vegetables in stages to develop deep, complex flavors and ensure each ingredient reaches optimal tenderness.
• Blending Brilliance: Work in batches when puréeing to achieve a silky-smooth texture without overwhelming your blender.
• Cream Caution: Add heavy cream at the end to preserve its delicate flavor and prevent potential curdling during prolonged cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg