Looking for a creamy, comforting soup that won’t derail your healthy eating goals? Dive into this delightful Cheesy Cauliflower Leek Soup that’s not only vegan and gluten-free but also packed with flavor! With its rich, velvety texture and a hint of cheesy goodness from nutritional yeast, this soup is the perfect dish to warm your soul on a chilly day. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a batch that serves four, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cauliflower, chopped
- Leeks, sliced
- Vegetable broth
- Coconut milk
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the cauliflower into small florets and slice the leeks, making sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat a splash of vegetable broth over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced leeks and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped cauliflower to the pot, stirring to combine with the leeks. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to slightly soften.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest intact.
- Return the pot to low heat and stir in the coconut milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast according to your preference.
- Once the soup is heated and seasoned to your liking, remove it from the heat. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your cauliflower and slice the leeks the night before. Store them in the fridge to have everything ready to go when you start cooking.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t rush the sautéing step! Allow the leeks to become soft and translucent to enhance their natural sweetness, which will add depth to your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend it until completely smooth. For a heartier texture, blend only half and leave the rest chunky.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to experiment with the seasoning! A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne can add a nice kick, while fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor profile.
- Garnish for Appeal: Serve your soup with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or fresh herbs for a pop of color and added flavor. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the richness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
