"A cauliflower is nothing but a cabbage with a college education"
Mark Twain 
Given this quote, we can assume that cauliflower did not rank among Mark Twain's favorite foods. However, if he had tasted creamy cauliflower soup with saffron he might have felt differently.
Cauliflower history
But, alas, the cauliflower wasn't always so lowly. Believe it or not, this homely vegetable was once the rage in the court of Louis XIV. It was so popular and adored that it was served in elegant dishes at dinner parties. Go figure!
Personally, I've never counted cauliflower among my favorite foods. Recently, however, I am intrigued by its rising popularity among all the carb-conscious folks out there. Since starting my food blog I have given a second chance to many foods. So, why not give cauliflower a chance then? I think creamy cauliflower soup with saffron is a good place to start. I've been dying to use this saffron my sister got me when she went to Turkey.
What does saffron taste like?
It's a cross between floral, sweet, and savory. Just a thread or two will flavor the entire dish and give it a soft, glowing hue. Learn a little more about saffron here.
When to make cauliflower soup
This cauliflower soup is so easy to make, and the leftovers are great too. Yes, I took some in my lunch the next day. This soup is pretty healthy since cauliflower is chock full of antioxidants, and vitamins as well. Cauliflower also comes in purple, orange, and yellow, so pretty!
Creamy cauliflower soup with saffron is perfect on a cold days or night where you need something to warm you up from the inside out. The creaminess, the soft silky texture, I wanted to eat the entire pot. This statement coming from someone who until recently thought cauliflower was as exciting as watching grass grow is HUGE!
I also like to serve this soup with a crusty bread like Irish brown bread, just an idea!
Finally, I think your friends can use a bowl of creamy cauliflower soup with saffron. Make sure you share the recipe with friends and family.
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Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Saffron Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cauliflower 1 head
- 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 onion medium size, sliced
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ⅓ cup celery chopped
- 2 potatoes medium baking type, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ½ tsp saffron
- ¾ cup half and half
- 1 dash nutmeg
- 3 Tbsp curly parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Break cauliflower head into florets and rinse.
- In a soup pot heat olive oil on medium. Saute the onion and garlic and sprinkle with salt, and pepper. Stir in the celery.
- Add the cauliflower florets,potatoes, and vegetable broth and allow it to come to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the saffron threads.
- Cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the florets are soft.
- Add the half and half, nutmeg and stir well.
- Next, using an immersion blender puree the solids until you get a smooth silky texture.
- Garnish with parsley.
Nutrition
Erlene Amat
I don't think I've ever had cauliflower soup. I'll have to give this a try. Thanks for sharing your recipe on Merry Monday.
Analida
You are welcome Erlene! I hope you like it.
Kate
Oh my gosh, this sounds delicious! I love simple soups like this.
Analida
Thanks Kate!
🙂
Jordan
The color of this soup is amazing! I've never cooked with saffron but I've heard it's so good for you. Can't wait to try!
Analida
Hi Jordan! you need to cook with saffron! It is so delicious. I hope you try this soup. 🙂
Sarah
I've also been "rediscovering" cauliflower. It's not bad at all! I think I just grew up eating it plain and steamed lol. This sounds delicious!
Analida
Hi Sarah! No it really isn't too bad. I also grew up eating it steamed, and that was my awful memory of cauliflower. I am going to keep experimenting.
Helene
How interesting that you add Saffron to your cauliflower soup. This is a coup we love to prepare during the colder month, although I make it a bit differently. Next time I will try your version. 🙂
Analida
Hi Helene! Let me know how you like my version. 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago
This sounds like a great, simple soup for cold winter days!
Analida
Yes Kathryn, it is pretty easy and fabulous on a cold day. 🙂
Renz
I've never had cauliflower soup. This looks delicious tough. I love the addition of the saffron for added flavor
Analida
Hi Renz, thanks for commenting. I hope you give my cauliflower soup a try. And yes, the saffron is great.
Abby @ WinsteadWandering
I was just searching yesterday for a good vegetarian soup recipe to make for some friends. This looks perfectly smooth and satisfying!
Analida
Hi Abby, I hope your friends like it. 🙂
Becky
Cauliflower makes the creeeeamiest soup. I love it so much! Your addition of saffron sounds great.
Analida
Thanks Becky. It's funny because this is the only way I will eat cauliflower.
Leslie Haasch
I'm with you! Cauliflower was never one of my favorite veggies to cook with because I really don't care for the smell, but I got a purple cauliflower in a CSA once and it forced me to give it a shot. I'm glad I did!
Analida
Hi Leslie! I've never had purple cauliflower. Is the taste/smell any different? 🙂
Jennifer
I LOVE cauliflower, you can use it in so many different dishes! Your soup sounds lovely 😊
Analida
Thank you so much Jennifer. To be honest, I am not big on cauliflower, but I do enjoy this soup.
Julie
This soup is such a beautiful color with the addition of saffron. Can't wait to try a bowl!
Kim @ Berly's Kitchen
I've yet to make cauliflower soup, but yours looks absolutely delicious. It would be perfect for a cold winter day.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
Yumm!! This soup looks so creamy and delicious!! I need a bowl asap!
Analida
Thanks Sam! 🙂 If you make it, let me know how you like it.
Stacey
This sounds perfectly cozy! Love this soup!
Analida
It is a cozy soup Stacey. I must admit, I was never a cauliflower fan before. I do like this soup though.