I still remember the first time I tried cauliflower cheese soup. I was sitting at my friend’s kitchen table when she brought out this velvety, golden bowl of comfort. She handed me a spoon, and the moment I tasted it, I couldn’t help but let out a satisfied sigh. The creamy cheese, the earthy cauliflower, and that subtle hint of garlic-nothing felt more comforting.
Then I found out it was Jamie Oliver’s recipe, and everything made sense. Jamie’s way of combining simplicity and flavor was magical. His approach to cooking, especially when it comes to making something feel hearty and indulgent without feeling heavy, really inspired me to give this soup a go. Let me walk you through how to make this soup, so you can experience the same cozy satisfaction.
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup Recipe
When I first read Jamie’s cauliflower cheese soup recipe, I was immediately struck by how straightforward it seemed. There were no fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just good, honest cooking. The soup is creamy, comforting, and full of layers of flavors that balance perfectly. It’s the kind of meal you want to make when you’re craving something soothing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The key to this recipe is the balance between the cauliflower and the cheese. The cauliflower adds this lovely richness, while the cheese turns it into something luxurious. Add a touch of garlic, a pinch of nutmeg, and the soup becomes something truly special. It’s a one-pot wonder that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s cauliflower cheese soup, you’ll need:
- 1 head of cauliflower: This is the base of your soup. It’s what gives the soup its creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- 1 onion: A medium-sized onion will add sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
- 2 cloves of garlic: Garlic is the unsung hero here. It adds depth and brings out the flavor in the cauliflower and cheese.
- 1 liter of vegetable stock: Jamie often uses stock to create a rich, flavorful base. It’s essential for making the soup feel substantial.
- 200g mature cheddar cheese: The star of the dish. A sharp cheddar will melt beautifully and provide that rich, cheesy flavor.
- Butter: You’ll use this to sauté the onions and garlic, which forms the first layer of flavor in the soup.
- Olive oil: A drizzle for roasting the cauliflower, which helps intensify its flavor.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch to elevate the flavor of the cauliflower and cheese. It adds warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning, but you can adjust to taste.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish, giving the soup a fresh, green contrast.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup
Making this soup is a walk in the park. Let me break it down:
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Roast The Cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower into florets. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss it all together.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, until the cauliflower is golden and soft. This step really brings out the sweetness in the cauliflower.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- While the cauliflower roasts, heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook gently for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
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Add The Stock And Cauliflower
- Once the cauliflower is roasted, add it to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in your vegetable stock, bring it to a gentle boil, and then simmer for about 10 minutes.
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Blend The Soup
- Once everything is cooked and softened, use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the soup until smooth. You want a creamy texture here, so blend it until it’s completely silky.
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Add The Cheese And Seasoning
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese while the soup is still warm. The heat will melt the cheese into the soup, creating that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg, and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a little chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this soup plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s break down the science behind some of the key ingredients:
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower is full of water, which helps create a smooth, creamy texture when blended. It’s a naturally mild vegetable, so it absorbs the flavors around it. When roasted, the natural sugars in the cauliflower caramelize, giving the soup a deeper flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: The cheese is the backbone of the soup’s flavor. It has a high fat content, which helps create the smooth, rich mouthfeel. The sharpness of mature cheddar contrasts perfectly with the mellow cauliflower.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a powerful spice, but when used in moderation, it adds warmth and a hint of complexity. It’s often used in creamy dishes to round out the flavor profile and add depth.
Expert Tips
- Cheese choice: While mature cheddar is Jamie’s go-to, you can try different cheeses like Gruyère or a mix of cheddar and parmesan for extra richness.
- Make it vegan: Swap the butter for olive oil and the cheese for a dairy-free alternative like vegan cheddar or nutritional yeast.
- Extra texture: If you like a bit more texture, you can reserve some roasted cauliflower florets before blending and stir them back in after the soup is pureed.
- Use a good stock: The stock is the base of the soup’s flavor, so try to use homemade or a high-quality store-bought vegetable stock. The better the stock, the better the soup.
Recipe Variations
- Cauliflower and Leek Soup: Add leeks to the onions and garlic for a more complex flavor. Leeks have a sweeter, milder flavor than onions, which can complement the cauliflower beautifully.
- Spicy Cauliflower Soup: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a bit of heat. It adds an unexpected kick that’s delightful.
- Herb-infused Soup: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the pot while it simmers for an herby twist. Remove the stems before blending for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Final Words
I’m always amazed at how something so simple can be so satisfying. Jamie’s cauliflower cheese soup is the perfect example of this. It’s a great weeknight meal, a cozy weekend dish, or even something to serve when friends are over. And the best part? It’s not just about the flavors-it’s about how these humble ingredients come together to create something heartwarming and comforting.
This recipe is a reminder that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. Sometimes, the most comforting dishes come from the simplest ingredients.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup?
Start by roasting cauliflower with garlic, onion, and olive oil. Then blend it with stock and cheese for a smooth soup. Add seasoning and serve with crusty bread.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
What Cheese Is Best For Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup?
A strong-flavored cheese like mature cheddar works best for a rich, cheesy flavor in the soup.