Cauliflower and Chicken Soup with Cream and Cheese

This hearty and creamy cauliflower and chicken soup is a comforting dish perfect for any season. It combines tender cauliflower florets, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and flavorful leeks into a savory base. The dish is enhanced with a creamy blend of sweet cream and melted cheese, giving it a luxurious texture and taste. The chicken thighs add a protein-rich component, cooked to perfection with a slight sear for additional flavor. With a touch of garlic and onion, the aromatic essence of this soup is truly irresistible. It's a meal that's both nourishing and satisfying, ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in. The soup is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced cooks alike. It’s versatile enough to be customized to various tastes, accommodating different dietary needs with simple substitutions. Enjoy this delightful soup on its own or pair it with your favorite crunchy croutons for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 cauliflower florets
2-3 potatoes
2 carrots
1 leek
2 onions
1-2 garlic cloves
150 ml sweet cream
1/2 pack of melted cheese
1-2 chicken thighs

Spices and Sauces

Salt to taste
Chicken bouillon cube

Preparation Time

40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by cleaning and washing the vegetables. Cut the harder vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Start Cooking: Place all the vegetables in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and pour enough water to cover all the ingredients, being cautious not to add too much water initially.
Boil the Vegetables: Bring the pot to a boil and cook the vegetables until they become soft. Add the chicken bouillon cube, allowing it to dissolve completely.
Cook the Chicken: Meanwhile, finely chop the chicken thighs and sear them in a pan until they are browned and cooked through.
Blend the Vegetables: Once the vegetables have softened, remove the pot from heat. Carefully blend the vegetables into a smooth consistency using an immersion blender.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the sweet cream and add one-third of the pack of melted cheese. Blend the mixture again until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
Combine Chicken with Soup: Add the seared chicken pieces to the blended soup, stirring well to incorporate.
Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices if needed. Optionally, garnish with finely chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for another few minutes to let all flavors meld together.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or croutons on the side.

Tips

For a Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken thighs with chickpeas or your favorite beans.
Alternative Add-ins: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spicy note.
Texture Variation: Prefer a chunkier soup? Blend the vegetables less for more texture.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 350 kcal per serving
Protein: 20g
Fats: 15g
Carbs: 40g

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute sweet cream and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for some heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or garlic-infused croutons for a delightful crunch.
Top with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra layer of flavor.

Best Places

Chez Janou - Rustic French café offering similar hearty dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Location: 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, Paris, France.
Ottolenghi - Incredible deli and restaurant with flavorsome vegetarian options. Location: 287 Upper St, London, UK.
Restaurant Noma - Renowned for Nordic cuisine with innovative uses of local ingredients. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Fat Duck - Modern British with experimental dishes and unique textures. Location: High St, Bray SL6 2AQ, UK.
Alinea - Contemporary American Restaurante known for its artistic presentation. Location: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, USA.
Arzak - Known for Basque cuisine with modern twists. Location: Av. del Alcalde Elósegui, 273, 20015 Donostia, Spain.
El Celler de Can Roca - Offers creative and vibrant Spanish dishes. Location: Can Sunyer, 48, 17007 Girona, Spain.
Le Bernardin - Exquisite seafood in classy surroundings. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
Gaggan - Progressive Indian cuisine with exciting flavors. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Bangkok, Thailand.
Central - Peruvian cuisine that emphasizes local biodiversity. Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco 15063, Lima, Peru.