The Creamiest Roasted Cauliflower Soup (Paleo)

I think I like this cauliflower soup because it reminds me of baked potato soup, but my body completely dislikes all nightshades. You can even add cheese, bacon, or any other toppings you like.  So simple and a wonderful way to get your veggies AND your bone broth in, so enjoy! 

Super-Mega-Pro tips on how to Make the Best Cauliflower Soup

Roast Your Cauliflower
Behind that creamy beige exterior, you’ll find loads of irresistible roasted cauliflower flavor. Roasted cauliflower is key here—cauliflower develops caramelized notes with a greater depth of flavor as it roasts in the oven.

Build Flavor
Once your roasted cauliflower is almost done, you’ll sauté onions in a soup pot until tender, then add garlic and vegetable broth. Then, add your roasted cauliflower and simmer the mixture on the stove for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors.

Add Butter for Creaminess
You’ll transfer the contents of the pot to a blender and add butter. Butter is an easy way to add mega creamy, luxurious flavor and texture without any cream 

Blend Until Completely Smooth
I recommend blending this soup in a stand blender, rather than an immersion blender because stand blenders yield the creamiest results. Fortunately, the ingredients used here are fairly soft, so even an inexpensive stand blender should work well. The final texture, in my opinion, is absolutely worth dirtying the blender bowl for.

Season with Nutmeg and Lemon Juice
We’re using small, subtle amounts of nutmeg and lemon juice here. You probably won’t be able to pinpoint them while you’re sipping your soup, but they offer a nuttiness and acidic brightness that together take this soup to a new level!

Sprinkle Something Fresh on Top
I tried garnishing my soup with fresh parsley, green onion, and chives. I loved them all and couldn’t pick a favorite, so use whichever you have on hand!

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-size florets
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive or coconut oil, divided
• Fine sea salt
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 4 cups (1 quart) Boulder Broth, your choice
• 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or more if needed
• Scant ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For garnish: 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, chives and/or green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. If desired, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. On the baking sheet, toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of the oil until lightly and evenly coated in oil. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer and sprinkle lightly with salt. Bake until the cauliflower is tender and caramelized on the edges, 25 to 35 minutes, tossing halfway.
3. Once the cauliflower is almost done, in a Dutch oven or soup pot, warm the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened and turning translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add the broth.
5. Reserve 4 of the prettiest roasted cauliflower florets for garnish. Then transfer the remaining cauliflower to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, to give the flavors time to meld.
6. Once the soup is finished, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer the hot soup to a blender, working in batches if necessary. (Do not fill past the maximum fill line or the soup could overflow!)
7. Add the butter and blend until smooth. Add the lemon juice and nutmeg and blend again. Add additional salt, to taste (I usually add another ¼ to ¾ teaspoon, depending on the broth). This soup tastes amazing once it’s properly salted! You can also add a little more lemon juice if it needs more zing. Blend again.
8. Top individual bowls of soup with 1 roasted cauliflower floret and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, green onion, chives, and/or shredded cheese!. This soup keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about four days, or for several months in the freezer.