Spiced Cauliflower and Almond Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for cozy nights, this Spiced Cauliflower and Almond Soup combines the richness of cauliflower with the aromatic spices of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. The addition of almonds gives it a lovely, creamy texture, while the harissa paste introduces a subtle heat to the mix. This vegetarian dish is a beautiful way to enjoy the earthy goodness of cauliflower with an international flair. Best served with a slice of herbed garlic bread, this soup is sure to become a favorite weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (gobi) | 1 head (roughly chopped) |
| Blanched Almonds (Badam) | 1/2 cup |
| Harissa Paste | 3 tablespoons |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Vegetable Stock | 2 cups |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Black Pepper Powder | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prep the Cauliflower:
Begin by washing and rinsing the cauliflower thoroughly. After that, chop it roughly into florets, removing the core. This will ensure the cauliflower cooks evenly and blends smoothly later. -
-
Roast the Cauliflower:
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until the florets begin to brown and develop a bit of caramelization. This roasting process enhances the flavor of the cauliflower and adds a delicious depth to the soup. -
Add Spices and Harissa:
Once the cauliflower is roasted, add the harissa paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, and cinnamon powder to the pan. Season with salt to taste. Stir the mixture well to coat the cauliflower with the spices. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify in flavor. -
Incorporate the Almonds:
Add the blanched almonds to the pan and stir them in. Let them cook for about a minute, allowing the almonds to release some of their oils and flavor, which will contribute to the creamy texture of the soup. -
Add the Stock:
Pour in the vegetable stock (you can also use chicken stock if preferred). Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fully tender. -
Blend the Soup:
Once the cauliflower is tender, use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be sure to blend thoroughly until the soup reaches a velvety consistency. -
Season to Taste:
Once the soup is blended, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add black pepper powder and check if more salt is needed. Stir to combine and ensure the flavors are balanced. -
Serve:
Pour the soup into serving bowls. Serve the Spiced Cauliflower and Almond Soup hot, paired with herbed garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup is perfect as a light dinner or a first course in a larger meal. Pair it with herbed garlic bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal. The richness of the almonds and the bold flavors from the harissa and spices make this dish a flavorful option for any weeknight dinner.
Enjoy the warmth and flavors of this Spiced Cauliflower and Almond Soup on cold nights, and let it bring comfort to your dinner table.
