Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Roasted Garlic and Herbs

Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Roasted Garlic and Herbs is a luscious, velvety soup studded with nutty, roasted garlic and brightened by pungent herbs. It's a celebration of the humble cauliflower, elevated by the caramelized sweetness of roasted garlic and the aromatic embrace of thyme and rosemary. Perfect for a cozy night in or an elegant dinner party, this soup is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.

In the realm of culinary traditions, where flavors intertwine and stories unfold, the creation of Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Roasted Garlic and Herbs is a tale woven with passion and serendipity. It began in the sun-drenched hills of Italy, where fragrant herbs kissed the air and plump, white cauliflower heads flourished in the fields. Inspired by the rustic simplicity of Italian cuisine, I embarked on a culinary journey to capture the essence of these humble yet extraordinary ingredients.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 35 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Place cauliflower florets on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, combine garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and stir to coat.
4. Spread garlic mixture around cauliflower on the baking sheet.
5. Roast in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender and garlic is golden brown.
6. Transfer cauliflower and garlic to a large pot. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is very soft.
8. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Why It Works

• Roasting the garlic caramelizes its sugars, resulting in a nutty, sweet flavor that complements the creamy cauliflower base.
• The combination of thyme and rosemary brings a vibrant, herbaceous aroma to the soup, adding depth and complexity to the flavor.
• Pureeing the soup until smooth creates a velvety texture that envelops the palate in a comforting embrace.
• Seasoning the soup with salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors and brings out the best in each ingredient.