I’ve been delaying my post on this fabulous soup because my pictures are butt ugly and I was ashamed to share them with you. Butt. Ugly. Something about the pasty color, the lack of light in my kitchen, the glare of the flash–it was a depressing food shoot. But I’m swallowing my feelings about the pictures because this soup is worth it. With potatoes and cheese and cauliflower and a dash of mustard, it’s comforting and wonderful, and it would be a crime if a little picture trouble prevented me from putting it out there.
I didn’t realize how wonderful this soup was at first because I consumed most of my bowl while the soup was still hot as blazes. As the taste buds were nearly burned out of my mouth, I pondered “this soup is okay–yeah, I guess it’s pretty good.” But once the soup had cooled down, my taste buds had recovered from the shock and I actually started tasting the thing, my enthusiasm grew. It was really good, and I regretted not waiting for it to cool down to a tasteable temperature from the get-go.
So after that heart-warming story, let’s make it! From this recipe on Amy’s amazing blog (Very Culinary), let’s welcome our guest of honor, Creamy Cauliflower Cheddar Soupdiddly-oup-diddly-oup.
Ingredients
(Serves 5)
2 TBS butter
2 shallots
1 yellow onion
Kosher salt, to taste
1 medium potato
2 cloves garlic
3 ½ cups vegetable broth
½ head of cauliflower
2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tsp Dijon mustard
There are the ingredients . . . but have I forgotten something?
Yes! The potato.
Okay, we are now complete.
Sorry, I can’t say the word “complete” without thinking of the Emperor. “Your journey towards the dark side will be complete.” Seriously, say “complete” like the Emperor does. It’s addicting.
Chop the potato into smallish cubes (peel only if desired–I didn’t desire).
Chop up the shallots and onion.
Mince the garlic too! But you’ve seen enough pictures of me mincing garlic. Right? No? Okay, fine.
But just because you asked.
The mincing of the garlic will be complete.
Chop the cauliflower into small florets–but no need to be pretty here. A rough chop will do, because it will all be pureed anyway.
Shred the cheese–and shred extra so that there’s plenty for garnish.
And by “garnish” I mean that gooey, wonderful mess on top of the soup that will make your mouth water and your eyes leak tears of gratitude for the human being who first created this thing called “cheese.”
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the shallots and onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened.
And one more time . . . the softening of the onions will be complete.
Okay, okay. I won’t do it again . . . in writing.
But I’ll be doing it in my mind.
Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add a sprinkling of salt, the cubed potato, and the vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, then cover the pot . . .
. . . lower the heat, and simmer for 8 minutes (until the potatoes are tender).
Add the cauliflower . . .
. . . cover the pot again, and cook for another 10 minutes.
Puree the soup to your desired consistency with an immersion blender:
I like mine with a little chunk still left in it.
Now, stir in the cheese and mustard. I had it prepped in a pile–doesn’t it look attractive? Altogether yummy?
Or not.
Thankfully it will all disappear into the creamy bowels of the soup. One might even say that the disappearing of the cheese and mustard into the soup will be . . .
*resisting* *resisting*
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
Serve with extra cheese sprinkled on top!
Not the most photogenic of soups–but delicious! The subtle tang of mustard is just perfect.
Thank you Amy for another great recipe!
Click here for printer-friendly version: Creamy Cauliflower Cheddar Soup
Hey, looks aren’t everything! This sounds “completely” yummy!
Cauliflower is today’s theme (I posted a cauli recipe too)! 🙂 Well, I’m glad you shared b/c your photos, at least to me, are wonderful, and I’m seriously considering sharing your split pea soup, even though my picture resembles stuff that comes out of both ends of people. Seriously ick, but the soup is so good I almost have to share. Oh, the quandary.
Some of the best foods aren’t very photographic, I still think you did good! This looks so perfect for a cold winters night!
I am used to make a similar soup like this one but use freshly grated Gruyère cheese instead of the good old cheddar!
Your soup looks so comforting & amazing! Yum!
Oh man! I bet the Gruyère takes it to a whole new level!!
I made a slow cooker chicken and dumplings recently and could not get a good picture whatsoever. It tasted great but, I guess that’s where the old saying “Looks can be decieving” comes into play. I think your pictures turned out well and the soup sounds yummy!
I’m glad you understand! For whatever reason, soups are my photographic nemesis. Thankfully I have empathetic readers like you. =)
You know, most days I feel like my blog is just a series of bad lighting shots. lol If I had half the talent in my body that you have in your pinkie, I’d be doing something good! This soup looks fabulous in any light. 🙂
You do yourself a disservice! I think your photography makes your food look quite appealing! =)
i like your definition of garnish! soup looks fabulous. 🙂
Yeah . . .”pile” is much more accurate of a description.
Oh, silly rabbit…it doesn’t look bad! Your photos are always beautiful. Soups are hard to photograph. I struggle with soups and dip. Glad you loved it. And what Sophie ^^^ said about the Gruyère? YES.
I have this problem too with “light” colored foods. I also have white dinner ware – that really washes the food out.
Try taking a pic in a different colored bowl or plate. I can’t believe I am suggesting something photog to you, YOU! But I swear it works. [I am partial to jewel blue. :)]
And you soup looks so good. It completes . . .heehee
A. NOT butt ugly. But deliciously cheesy beautiful.
B. When two of my favorite ladies get together and proclaim something delicious…it must be.
C. <3 you.
Sounds delicious and super comforting! Even for a cauliflower-hater like me. 😉
I seriously want some of this soup. Right now!!