Description
Craving a light yet satisfying soup that’s both healthy and full of flavor? This Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Soup is your perfect go-to! Combining tender cauliflower with the creamy, protein-packed goodness of cottage cheese and a hint of warm cumin, this soup offers a velvety texture and subtle, savory depth.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Soup. Each ingredient adds to the creamy, savory, and earthy magic.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing, adding a subtle fruity note.
- Onion (1, chopped): Provides a sweet, savory base.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses aromatic depth.
- Cauliflower (1 head, chopped): The star ingredient, delivering mild, nutty flavor and a creamy texture when blended.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups): Creates the perfect soup consistency and enhances flavor.
- Cottage Cheese (1 cup): Adds creamy texture and protein.
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, earthy spice.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasons the soup to perfection.
- Chopped Chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or butter (if not strictly vegetarian).
- Cauliflower: Use broccoli or a mix of cauliflower and broccoli for a different flavor.
- Cottage Cheese: Replace with ricotta, Greek yogurt, or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Vegetable Broth: Substitute with chicken broth (if not vegetarian) or water with a bouillon cube.
- Cumin: Swap with smoked paprika, curry powder, or ground coriander for a different spice profile.
- Add-Ins: Stir in ½ cup roasted red peppers, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or ¼ cup grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning; onions should be translucent, not browned.
Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower
- Add 1 head chopped cauliflower to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Cut cauliflower into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender.
Tip: Test cauliflower with a fork; it should be soft enough to blend smoothly.
Step 4: Blend and Add Cottage Cheese
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup cottage cheese and 1 teaspoon ground cumin, blending or stirring until fully incorporated and creamy.
Tip: If using a regular blender, work in batches and blend carefully to avoid hot splashes; return to the pot after blending.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped chives.
Tip: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain through a fine mesh sieve after blending (optional).