Thursday, November 10, 2011

Cauliflower Soup with Parmesan Croutons


We had our first snowfall in Wisconsin yesterday.  Nothing measurable in the Milwaukee area, but some western parts of the state set a record for early snowfall.  Here, it's just plain cold.


Here is a simple and very satisfying cauliflower soup that was inspired by a recipe from The Pioneer Woman. I've lightened the fat content and increased the veggies. I also decided to top it with some homemade Parmesan Croutons.  It was delicious!

Cauliflower Soup with Parmesan Croutons

Inspired by The Pioneer Woman
Printable Recipe 

I liked the Pioneer Woman's recipe but lightened it by using less butter, fat free milk and no cream. I also added more carrots and celery and topped it with my Parmesan Croutons.

5 tablespoons of butter, divided
1/2 large onion, diced
3 Carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 huge head (or 2 small heads) of cauliflower, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, or 1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 quarts sodium free chicken stock (I like Kitchen Basis brand)
3 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
2 cups skim milk
1-2 teaspoons salt, to taste
1/2-1 teaspoon pepper, to taste

Parmesan Croutons (Recipe Below)

In a large soup pot or dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the onion and cook for about 10 minutes, or until it begins to turn golden, stirring occasionally. Add the carrots and celery and cook an 5-10 minutes. Add cauliflower and parsley and stir to combine. Cover and cook over very low heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour in chicken stock or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes.

In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add the flour and whisk until blended. When it starts to bubble, add the milk slowing while whisking constantly until thickened. Keep stirring until thickened, which should take a few minutes. Add the mixture to the simmering soup and allow to simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Check seasoning and add more salt or pepper if necessary.

Ladle in bowls and top with Parmesan croutons.

Parmesan Croutons

French, Italian or Country-Style Bread
Grated Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 350F. Take a few slices of good French, Italian or Country Style bread and spread a little olive oil on each side using a basting brush. Sprinkle each slice with freshly ground pepper on each side. Cut the slices of bread into cubes and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Place in oven and bake until just golden, about 10-12 minutes.

Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the croutons and return to oven until cheese is just barely melted.

54 comments:

  1. Yum, on a chilly autumn night there's nothing better than soup! This sounds amazing!
    kathy

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this dear!! I love soup and cauliflowers!! gloria

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love cauliflower soup, this sounds good! You can take it to work and not have to worry about green between your teeth:@)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have never tasted cauliflower soup but I do like this veggie. I like your lighter version ~ it looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds perfectly wonderful! I love soups with lots of veggies...makes it feel more healthy.

    xo
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds perfectly wonderful! I love soups with lots of veggies...makes it feel more healthy.

    xo
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sounds good. I have had cauliflower cooked before that was very good and some not so much. Don't know what was done different as I have never cooked it myself. Pretty chilly here today - cold wind. I am just NOT ready for Winter.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I dearly love cauliflower but unfortunately DH does not like it so much???? This will be cataloged for a lunch soup for my friends. They would love this recipe and I know I would love it. I have her book and I like the changes you made.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

    ReplyDelete
  9. Perfect for a Fall day! I have all the ingredients already, I think I'll make it Saturday!
    -Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks delicious and perfect for the cold weather. Nice that you lightened it, adding this one to the try list!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Definitely soup season! I could eat it every night along with some homemade bread. This is such a great way to enjoy cauliflower. I have never made soup with it, but we will have to try.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Found you at Foodie Friday and I'm glad I did. This soup sounds fabulous and I love that you reduced the fat and increased the veggies. I'm definitely making this but will substitute veggie stock for the chicken stock since I'm vegetarian. I too like to top my soup with homemade croutons. Thanks for sharing! I'm your newest follower.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am not sure if I've ever had cauliflower soup. I love that you made the lighter version. The croutons look so delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sounds great! I've been looking for new cauliflower recipes! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm a soup person, Susan, and I like this lightened version of cauiflower soup very much!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I can't remember the last time I tried cauliflower. Looks delicious though so I may have to try is again soon.

    ReplyDelete
  17. this sounds amazing Susan, I love cauliflower in any way,I think I'll make it soon, have a good weekend, warm hugs....

    ReplyDelete
  18. What an intriguing soup. I love the addition of what is essentially a white sauce at the end. This is odd but rather nice. Must have made it nice and thick and chowder-like. Cauliflower is a great soup ingredient. I make a mean cauliflower cheese soup! I also ADORE your enamel soup bowls!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a soothing and tasty soup! I am going to make some croutons ;-)) Thanks for sharing, Susan.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Susan, you had me at the photo ;o) I love how the purple cloth looks with the Mackenzie-Childs enamelware. I would love to eat soup out of the adorable enamel soup bowl. It's almost soup time here too!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Pretty nice for a plain soup; cauliflower, one of my favourite. Love those croutons on top. Very cold here,but now snow yet.
    Merci
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  22. This sounds delicious especially with your Parmesan croutons!

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a perfect winter meal!

    Thank you so very much for your visit to Metis.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm always looking for a new soup recipe. This looks delicious. Can't wait to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  25. There is nothing like a bowl of soup to take the chill off on these cold days...this looks yummy, Susan.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love your presentation..what a cute bowl and of course I have always loved you MC plates..

    Thank you for your recipe..we are huge soup fans:) Not to mention croutons..

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm a take-it-or-leave-it cauliflower person, but I believe I'd really enjoy this soup. Sounds like soup season is in full swing in your area.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nice looking cauliflower soup! What great comfort food!

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a lovely looking soup, and beautifully presented...I love all things white...and food is one of those things, just like its taste.
    Ronelle

    ReplyDelete
  30. Susan, there's nothing more comforting than a bowl of healthy, light soup that looks like it's packing a million calories per serving.

    And that's important, since we eat with our eyes first. But when you get both—looks and taste—then, you have a winner!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love cauliflower, but have never made it into soup! I certainly will after reading your recipe & especially with the Parmesan croutons!! YUM!!!! p.s. I'm making the roasted butternut squash for dinner toight.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Yumyum! Especially as a warm soup to comfort those who are cold~ wow! here in TExas it is sunny and the weather is spring-like.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I sure wish I had a bowl of this right now!!! The only thing I like about this time of year are the soups I tend to have more of...

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love love soup on a cold Autumn day! This one looks sooo delicious. Oh my, can I have a bowl to warm my soul? lol!
    Have a great weekend...Love you! Loretta

    ReplyDelete
  35. My husband will love this & and me! :-)
    Thank you for a great recipe, I can't wait to make it!

    Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Snow already? Oh boy...this soup would comes in handy to warm the tummy. :) It looks divine and I can use a bowl right now. :P

    ReplyDelete
  37. I came super close to putting this on my menu this week but was deterred by all teh heavy cream. I love this lightened up version!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Soup is one of my favourite comfort foods. When I look out the window to see our first snowfall this morning I know what I'll be doing one of these days= making soup! I'm looking forward to trying this recipe - thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh, MY! How perfectly timely. I have a gorgeous flawless cauliflower in my fridge right now and was going to go recipe hunting later tonight for tomorrow's dinner. This will definitely be it. It looks wonderful.
    Just back from Italy, newly retired, and hoping to not miss anymore of your wonderful posts!
    :)
    V

    ReplyDelete
  40. This looks so delicious! Parmesan croutons sounds so perfect together! I have never tried any of Pioneer Woman's recipes but have seen many good reviews. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'm not ready for snow just yet! I love that you've lightened up this soup- it looks really good. Soup is perfect for the chilly evenings we've been having. :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. How do you think this would work with broccoli instead of cauliflower? My husband randomly doesn't like cauliflower but loves broccoli (I think it's all in his head but whatever). But I'm loving the whole idea of this soup.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hello, and thank you all for your comments, again!

    Food Jaunts, I haven't tried the recipe with broccoli, but I think it would work just fine.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Just made creamed cauliflower last night..I love being able to get a great big head of cauliflower at this time of year from the farmers market...will try the soup next week!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I can't wait to make your wonderful soup, we will just love it. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful week!
    Miz Helen

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a fabulous soup - can't wait to try it - looks so comforting and healthy!
    mary x

    ReplyDelete
  47. it looks delicious even I have never tasted cauliflower soup! kisses

    ReplyDelete
  48. Your cauliflower soup looks beautiful. I love soups all year, and especially when the weather becomes cooler. This soup is a great way to put a cool weather seasonal vegetable, like cauliflower to good use. Awesome.

    Velva

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Susan, That cauliflower soup looks absolutely scrumptious!Perfect for cool weather :)Have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Brrr! I don't envy you...winter is starting early up there. Your cauliflower soup sounds like just the ticket to warm you up. I don't make a lot of soups anymore and when I do, I make individual portions and freeze. I think that would work well with this recipe, Susan.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Perfect day for soup today. I made cauliflower soup last week. DH won't eat it, but I love it.
    Beautiful presentation, love the bowl, :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. That looks so yummy, especially with the weather we are having outside right now...I love stuff like this when it's cold outside!

    Thanks for sharing!
    Dana
    http://completingourfamily4.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. ¡Qué bella propuesta! abrazos y abrazos.

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate your comment!