Description
This Mediterranean Cauliflower Soup Recipe with Herbs and Olive Oil is creamy without cream, bursting with fresh oregano, thyme, rosemary, and finished with bright lemon and rich extra virgin olive oil. A light yet comforting Mediterranean-inspired soup perfect for weeknights or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into florets
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup water
Mediterranean Herb Blend
2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried)
2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 bay leaves
Flavor Enhancers
1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Garnish
Crumbled feta cheese
Fresh herb sprigs
Toasted pine nuts
Crusty bread with olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 5–6 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.Add Cauliflower and Herbs:
Add cauliflower florets, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to coat and cook 3–4 minutes.Add Liquid and Seasoning:
Pour in broth and water, ensuring cauliflower is covered. Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.Simmer:
Cover and cook 20–25 minutes, until cauliflower is fork-tender.Blend:
Remove bay leaves. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning.Serve:
Ladle into bowls and drizzle with olive oil. Add feta, herbs, or pine nuts if desired.
Notes
Use one-third the amount when substituting dried herbs for fresh.
Frozen cauliflower can be added directly without thawing.
For vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit feta.
For thinner consistency, add warm broth or water after blending.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg (varies by broth used)
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
