Ingredients
Roasted Cauliflower
- 2 heads of cauliflower (about 4 pounds)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Sautéed Base and Spices
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing)
Soup Liquids and Garnish
- 32 ounces (4 cups) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk of choice
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup water (added during simmering)
Instructions
- Get ready. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut cauliflower into individual florets of uniform size by slicing in half through the stem, then trimming florets as needed.
- Season the cauliflower. Place the cauliflower on a large sheet pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle generously with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly and spread out in a single layer without overlapping. Use two pans if necessary.
- Roast the cauliflower. Roast the cauliflower, turning once around 25 minutes, until tender and browned in spots, about 45 minutes total. Remove from oven.
- Sauté the onions. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and spices (cumin, paprika, sumac, turmeric) and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Simmer. Add 3/4 of the roasted cauliflower to the pot, stirring to coat with spices. Pour in the vegetable broth and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and partially cover. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
- Blend. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree to your desired consistency, keeping some texture if you prefer. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender or food processor to blend, leaving steam vent open.
- Finish and serve. Return soup to medium heat and stir in the milk, lemon juice, and the reserved 1/4 roasted cauliflower florets. Warm through briefly, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Stir in fresh dill before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level in the soup.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk in place of whole milk.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, blend for longer to achieve a creamier texture.
- Roasting the cauliflower brings out a deep, caramelized flavor that adds richness to the soup.
- Sumac adds a tangy, lemony flavor – if unavailable, you can substitute with a small squeeze of extra lemon juice.
- Fresh dill brightens the soup and complements the spices well; substitute with fresh parsley if desired.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian