Dairy Free Cauliflower Soup (2 Ways)

Introducing Dairy Free Cauliflower Soup - a versatile dish that offers two flavorful twists: the classic version topped with crispy bacon crumbles or a variation with a spicy kick using buffalo sauce! Made with my Cashew Cheese Sauce, this soup is entirely dairy free and freezer-friendly, making it a convenient option for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dairy free cauliflower soup is a win for several reasons! Firstly, it is dairy and gluten free, catering to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste or creaminess. Secondly, the versatility of enjoying it as a classic or with a spicy buffalo twist allows you to make it your own. Lastly, its freezer-friendly quality ensures that the delightful flavors can be enjoyed time and time again, making it both convenient and oh so delicious.

Ingredients You Will Need

Cauliflower: becomes smooth and velvety when cooked, creating a creamy consistency.

Celery: helps make the flavors and aroma well-rounded.

Onion: both yellow or vidalia onions add a mellow sweetness to the soup, but you can also use white onions in this recipe.

Garlic: adds a savory note that enhances the base of the soup with its bold and aromatic flavor.

Cashews: are a great addition to soups without cheese, as they create a smooth, velvety texture when blended and add richness through their natural fats.

Nutritional Yeast: adds a cheesy flavor to dishes without the need for a lot of dairy.

Lemon Juice: brings out a bright and tangy flavor to the soup, balancing all of the flavors.

Ghee: adds a rich, nutty flavor with a higher smoke point compared to butter.

Organic Chicken Bone Broth: or regular chicken broth can be used. I like Kettle and Fire and you can use pennysprimal to save 20%.

Coconut Cream: provides a creamy texture with a taste that is very mild and usually hidden by other flavors.

Bacon: crumbles contribute a salty and crispy touch when used as a soup topping!

Buffalo Sauce: adds a spicy kick in your soup. I like Noble Made as they have a mild, medium and hot sauce. You can use Pennysprimal15 to save 15%.

Salt and Pepper: salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish and ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

Instructions

Prepare the soup base: by melting the ghee in a large pot. Then add onions and celery cooking till soft. Add the garlic and stir for one minute.

Soften the cauliflower: by adding it to the pot with the broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower and simmer until the cauliflower is fork-tender.

Prepare the cashew cheese sauce: place the drained cashews, lemon juice and nutritional yeast to a high-speed blender and blend until creamy. If it's a little too thick, add some water to thin it out.

Blend the cauliflower: by using an immersion blender to blend the cauliflower until it is creamy.

Season the soup: with salt and pepper, then add in the coconut cream.

Combine the soup and the cheese sauce: by slowly pouring in the cheese sauce and stirring to combine.

Simmer on low: for 10 minutes.

Garnish the soup: with crumbled bacon on top.

Make it spicy: by stirring in some buffalo sauce.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Achieving a creamy consistency with the immersion blender: Make sure the cauliflower is cooked until it's super soft before you use the immersion blender. Once it's ready, begin blending in the middle of the pot, then move outward in circles with the blender until you achieve the desired consistency.

Adjust the spice level: If a spicy soup isn't your thing, you can skip the buffalo sauce altogether. If you like a little heat, start with a smaller amount of the buffalo sauce, increasing until you reach your desired spice level. The more buffalo sauce you add, the spicier the soup will become.

Recipe Variations

Keep it nut-free: If you have a nut allergy or need to avoid nuts altogether, try blending in cooked potatoes or white beans with your cauliflower soup using an immersion blender. This adds creaminess and thickness without needing any dairy or nuts.

Get creative with toppings: You can have fun with the toppings on your soup. Try adding on a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives and parsley or even toasted pumpkin seeds. You can also serve the soup with a warm, crusty baguette or top with some croutons for an extra crunch.

Storage Tips

You can store this Dairy Free Cauliflower Soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight glass container.

FAQs About Dairy Free Cauliflower Soup

How do you thicken cauliflower soup?

This dairy free cauliflower soup uses a blend of cashew "cheese" sauce—a mix of soaked cashews, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast blended together—to thicken the soup.

What soups can be made from cauliflower?

Cauliflower is incredibly versatile for soups due to its mild flavor and creamy texture! You can make creamy cauliflower soup, cauliflower and leek or potato soup, roasted cauliflower soup or even cauliflower curry soup. These are just some ideas out of many!

Why does my cauliflower soup taste bitter?

Cauliflower soup might taste bitter if the cauliflower isn't fresh. Additionally, overcooking the cauliflower may result in a slightly bitter taste.