Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

This creamy cheddar cauliflower soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Made with tender cauliflower florets, flavorful cheddar cheese, and aromatic spices, this soup is rich, smooth, and satisfying. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch or paired with crusty bread for a hearty dinner. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is quick and easy to make. It's also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Whether you're a cauliflower lover or looking to try something new, this soup is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden in color.
4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the thickened milk mixture to the cauliflower pot and stir well to combine. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches to puree until smooth.
6. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
7. Season the soup with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasonings to taste.
8. Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve the creamy cheddar cauliflower soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

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