Skip to main content

Spicy Cauliflower Soup

This is an unusually spicy and full-flavored soup; if necessary, adjust the pungent spices to your comfort level.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 2 quarts; 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, peeled and diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon chile powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon dried chile flakes
Salt
Fresh-ground black pepper
6 cilantro sprigs, coarsely chopped
1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed of green leaves and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups)
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
Yogurt
Chopped cilantro or mint
A squeeze of lime juice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat, in a heavy-bottomed soup pot: 1/4 cup olive oil.

    Step 2

    Add and cook, stirring often, over medium heat: 1 onion, peeled and diced, 1 carrot, peeled and diced, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, crushed, 1 teaspoon chile powder, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon dried chile flakes, Salt, Fresh-ground black pepper.

    Step 3

    When very soft but not browned, add: 6 cilantro sprigs, coarsely chopped, 1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed of green leaves and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups), 3 cups chicken broth, 3 cups water.

    Step 4

    Raise the heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is very tender, about 30 minutes. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk to coarsely purée the soup. You may need to add more broth or water to thin the soup if it is too thick. Taste, adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve hot. Garnish each serving with: Yogurt, Chopped cilantro or mint, A squeeze of lime juice.

  2. Variation

    Step 5

    For a richer soup, use all chicken broth. For a lighter, vegetarian soup, use all water.

The Art of Simple Food
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.