Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Chowder
This Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Chowder balances tender roasted cauliflower and garlic with sautéed onion, carrots, and celery in a comforting, cheese-enriched base. The roasting of cauliflower and garlic concentrates their flavors, contributing a mild sweetness and depth to the chowder. The chowder is thickened with flour and enriched with milk and shredded cheddar, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture with a gentle savory note from thyme and bay leaf. It makes a satisfying, warming choice suited to a cozy meal, served warm and ideal for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower roughly chopped, large head
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup butter unsalted
- 1 onion chopped, medium
- 2 carrot chopped
- 2 celery chopped, stalks
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour can use gluten-free flour
- 30 ounces vegetable broth
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese we use white cheddar or sharp cheddar, shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place chopped cauliflower and garlic cloves on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until well coated. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Place pan in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until cauliflower is tender, stirring once. Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finely chop the roasted garlic cloves. Add the garlic, roasted cauliflower, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir. Cook until flour disappears.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the milk and shredded cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and chowder is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Ladle chowder into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour to make the chowder gluten-free.
- Substitute milk with almond, cashew, or coconut milk to suit dietary preferences.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 226
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 226kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 693mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 461mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 4112IU | 82% |
| Vitamin C | 49mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 162mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.