“Cheesy” Roasted Cauliflower Soup (Vegan & Dairy-Free)

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (for the cheesy flavor)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground turmeric (optional, for color)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Roasted cauliflower florets
• A sprinkle of smoked paprika or nutritional yeast

Instructions:

1. Roast the Cauliflower:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Toss the cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
   • Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
   • Stir in the garlic and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Blend the Soup:
   • Add the roasted cauliflower, soaked cashews, vegetable broth, and plant-based milk to the pot.
   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy. Alternatively, transfer the mixture in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Flavor the Soup:
   • Stir in the nutritional yeast, turmeric (if using), and lemon juice. Heat through gently.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of parsley, roasted cauliflower, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

This “Cheesy” Roasted Cauliflower Soup is ultra-creamy, thanks to the roasted cauliflower and blended cashews, without any dairy. The nutritional yeast gives it a rich, cheesy flavor, making it a satisfying and veggie-packed dish perfect for lunch or dinner!