This Cauliflower Chicken Soup is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like cauliflower, ginger, and turmeric, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. This soup is also low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly, making it a great option for those following a clean eating plan.
Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Chicken Soup
- Healthy and Flavorful: This soup is packed with nutrients and anti-inflammatory ingredients, making it a healthy and delicious meal.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this soup with your favorite vegetables or protein.
- Dietary Friendly: This soup is low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly.
Ingredients for Cauliflower Chicken Soup
- Cooked Chicken Breast: I use cooked chicken breast for convenience, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
- Cauliflower Florets: Cauliflower adds a creamy texture and a mild flavor to the soup.
- Carrot: Adds sweetness and nutrients.
- Ginger: Grated ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor.
- Onion: A chopped onion adds a savory base to the soup.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
- Turmeric: This spice has anti-inflammatory properties and adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice.
- Dried Mint: Adds a refreshing flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the soup to taste.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Veggie Variety: Toss in some other vegetables like broccoli florets, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Coconut Curry: Add some coconut milk and curry powder for a creamy, flavorful twist.
- Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
How to Make Cauliflower Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small cooking pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, turmeric, and black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets and 2 cups of chicken broth (or water and salt) to the pot. Cover and cook over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Vegetables
Add the grated ginger, dried mint, and chopped carrot to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the carrot has softened.
Step 4: Blend
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This will help to thicken the soup without making it too creamy.
Step 5: Add the Chicken and Simmer
Add the cooked chicken, salt, and pepper (if needed) to the pot. Add about 1 more cup of broth (or water) to adjust the consistency. Cook for 5-6 more minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Step 6: Serve
Stir in a tablespoon of olive oil and serve hot.
Tips and Tricks
- Cauliflower Freshness: Use fresh cauliflower florets for the best flavor and texture.
- Ginger: I prefer using fresh ginger for this recipe, but you can also use ginger paste if you prefer.
- Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
How to Serve
This Cauliflower Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this soup.
- Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, like a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. Just thaw them before adding them to the soup.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more black pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as broccoli florets, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook quickly.
There you have it! A flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make Cauliflower Chicken Soup recipe. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintCauliflower Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 bowls 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cauliflower Chicken Soup is a light and flavorful soup packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like cauliflower, ginger, and turmeric. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes! This clean eating recipe is low carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (250g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 1/2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and more black pepper to taste
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, turmeric, and black pepper; sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook cauliflower: Add cauliflower and 2 cups of chicken broth (or water with salt) to the pot. Cover and cook for about 7 minutes.
- Add remaining vegetables: Add ginger, mint, and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the carrot is softened.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until slightly thickened.
- Add chicken and simmer: Stir in the cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add remaining broth (or water) and simmer for 5-6 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of broth to reach your desired soup consistency.
- For a smoother soup, blend completely with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.
- You can use other vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, in place of cauliflower.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3gg
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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