Vegetarian Cauliflower Chowder (Printer-friendly)

A comforting bowl of creamy cauliflower and vegetables simmered to perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
02 - 1 large carrot, diced
03 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
04 - 1 stalk celery, diced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Base & Seasoning

07 - 3 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped
16 - Shredded cheese or plant-based cheese

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook the flour.
04 - Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Add potatoes and cauliflower florets.
05 - Season with thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are very tender.
06 - Stir in the milk and simmer for another 5 minutes.
07 - For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder directly in the pot, or transfer 2 cups to a blender and purée, then return to the pot.
08 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives, parsley, or shredded cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The partially blended texture gives you the satisfaction of cream without the heaviness, so you can enjoy a second bowl without hesitation.
  • It adapts to whatever vegetables are languishing in your crisper drawer, becoming a different experience each time while maintaining that cozy familiarity.
02 -
  • Resist the urge to rush the sautéing of vegetables at the beginning – those first 5 minutes develop foundational flavors that cant be added later.
  • The chowder will continue to thicken as it cools, so if youre planning to reheat later, make it slightly thinner than your desired final consistency.
03 -
  • Save a few of the smallest, prettiest cauliflower florets to add during the final 5 minutes of cooking – these tender-crisp bites create textural interest against the creamier background.
  • If you dont have an immersion blender, no need to transfer to a countertop blender – just mash some of the vegetables against the side of the pot with your wooden spoon for a rustic thickness that works beautifully.
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