I absolutely love this Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe because it’s like a warm hug in a bowl — comforting, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The blend of roasted cauliflower and vibrant Thai curry paste in coconut milk creates a delicious balance that’s both exotic and approachable, perfect for cozy dinners or when you want something nourishing yet exciting.
You’ll find that this soup works beautifully as a weeknight meal or a hearty lunch, especially when the weather starts to turn chilly. I discovered this trick when I needed something quick but satisfying; roasting the cauliflower first adds a depth of flavor that totally elevates the dish, making it a real crowd-pleaser every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Depth: Roasting the cauliflower caramelizes the edges and brings a rich nuttiness to the soup.
- Easy to Customize: You can tweak the curry paste and garnishes to suit your spice preference and mood.
- Comforting & Nourishing: The creamy coconut milk and warming spices make this soup irresistibly cozy and satisfying.
- Quick & Simple: You’ll be amazed at how with just a handful of ingredients, you get a soup that tastes so indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe works harmoniously to build layers of flavor – from the earthy turmeric to the rich coconut milk. Don’t be afraid to choose good quality curry paste, as it really makes a difference in taste.
- Cauliflower: Using the whole cauliflower, including the stem, adds extra texture and flavor throughout the soup.
- Olive oil: Divided use – drizzle some on the cauliflower to roast and sauté vegetables for a caramelized base.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, but add gradually to avoid over-salting.
- Onion: Choosing a sweet onion will mellow and balance the curry spices nicely.
- Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and body to the soup, making it more filling.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger brightens and adds a lovely zing that cuts through the creaminess.
- Garlic: Crushed garlic gives that classic aroma and depth typical of curry flavors.
- Ground turmeric: Adds a warm earthy note and gorgeous golden color.
- Yellow Thai curry paste: This is the star spice blend – feel free to swap with red or green paste to experiment with heat.
- Vegetable or chicken stock: A flavorful liquid base that makes blending the soup smoother and richer.
- Coconut milk: Use full-fat for creaminess, making the curry taste authentic and luxurious.
- Garnishes (green onion, chili peppers, cilantro, chili oil, lime): These fresh toppings brighten the soup and add exciting texture and layers.
Variations
I love to tweak this Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the fridge, and I encourage you to do the same! It’s a very forgiving recipe, so feel free to personalize it.
- Protein Boost: I’ve added cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken to make it more of a meal and my family enjoys the extra heartiness.
- Spice Levels: When I’m feeling brave, I add extra chili oil or fresh green chilies for more kick; if you prefer mild, just use less curry paste.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free, making it great for anyone with dietary restrictions.
- Seasonal Veggies: Sometimes I throw in diced sweet potato or bell peppers for added texture and seasonal variety.
How to Make Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the roughly chopped cauliflower with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle sea salt evenly. Roast for about 30 minutes until the cauliflower softens and gets those beautiful dark brown spots – this caramelization is what brings out the deep, nutty flavor that makes this soup so special.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Build the Base
While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add chopped carrots, continuing to cook for around 10 minutes until everything starts to brown — this slow caramelizing process is a game-changer in flavor. Next, stir in the chopped ginger and crushed garlic; cook for just one minute to release their aroma.
Step 3: Add Spices and Curry Paste
Sprinkle in ground turmeric and the yellow Thai curry paste, cooking for another minute while stirring to blend all the spices together. To prevent anything from sticking or burning, splash a little vegetable or chicken stock in to deglaze the pot, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom.
Step 4: Simmer and Blend
Add the rest of your stock to the pot and bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer while the cauliflower finishes roasting. Once the cauliflower is tender and beautifully roasted, add it straight into the pot (save some small florets for garnish if you like). Use an immersion blender directly in the pot – or carefully transfer in batches to a blender – to puree the soup until it’s silky smooth. Then stir in the coconut milk and adjust seasoning with sea salt to taste.
Pro Tips for Making Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe
- Roast Well: Don’t rush the cauliflower roasting; the darker spots add amazing flavor you can’t replicate by boiling.
- Sauté Slowly: Take your time browning the onions and carrots to develop sweetness—it’s worth the extra minutes.
- Blend in Batches: If using a regular blender, be careful with hot liquid — blend in small amounts and vent the lid to prevent splatters.
- Adjust Salt Last: Taste after adding the coconut milk and adjust salt carefully to avoid over-seasoning the creamy base.
How to Serve Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I love adding a sprinkle of sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for brightness, plus a few thin slices of chili pepper for heat. A drizzle of chili oil adds a beautiful spicy warmth, and a squeeze of lime juice right before eating really wakes up the flavors and balances the richness of the coconut milk.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread like my No Yeast Bread with Herbs and Cheese, or even warm naan for soaking up every last drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works nicely to complement the creamy curry flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the soup in small, pretty bowls garnished with a colorful herb and chili mix, and sometimes top with toasted coconut flakes or crushed roasted peanuts for extra texture. It adds a festive touch and makes the experience feel really special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keeping the garnishes separate helps maintain freshness, so I add those just before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When you thaw it, give it a good stir and maybe add a splash of stock or water if it’s too thick.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally so it heats through evenly and doesn’t separate. Avoid boiling to keep the coconut milk creamy and smooth.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of curry paste for this soup?
Absolutely! While yellow Thai curry paste is traditional here, red or green Thai curry pastes work just as well and just change the flavor profile slightly. Feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
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Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, especially if you use vegetable stock. It’s an excellent choice if you’re avoiding dairy, gluten, or animal products.
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Can I make this soup without an immersion blender?
You can definitely use a regular blender, but blend the soup in batches and be very careful with hot liquid. Let the soup cool slightly before blending and leave the lid slightly ajar to prevent pressure buildup.
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How long does the soup keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup stays fresh for up to 4 days. Add fresh garnishes at serving time to keep the flavors bright.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe has truly become one of my go-to comfort foods — it’s simple to make, deeply flavorful, and feels like a little exotic getaway in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own; trust me, once you’ve roasted that cauliflower and blended it into this creamy curry, you won’t want to go back. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
PrintCoconut Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 cups
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Coconut Curried Cauliflower Soup featuring roasted cauliflower blended with aromatic spices, Thai curry paste, and coconut milk, garnished with fresh herbs and optional toppings for a vibrant, comforting bowl.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large cauliflower, including the stem, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed with your knife
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 4 tablespoons yellow Thai curry paste (can substitute another color)
Oils and Liquids
- 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 5 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 (15 ounce) can coconut milk
Garnishes (optional)
- Sliced green onion
- Chili peppers
- Cilantro
- Chili oil
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Roast Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the roughly chopped cauliflower on the sheet, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Roast for 30 minutes until the cauliflower is soft and browned in spots.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the carrots and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until both carrots and onions are browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the chopped ginger and crushed garlic cloves; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground turmeric and yellow Thai curry paste, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices. Deglaze the pot with a splash of the stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Simmer with Stock and Cauliflower: Pour in the remaining stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently while the cauliflower finishes roasting. Once done, remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven, reserving a few small florets for garnish if desired, and add the rest to the soup pot.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until very smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup to a blender in batches and blend until silky smooth.
- Add Coconut Milk and Season: Stir in the coconut milk and adjust seasoning with sea salt to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with reserved cauliflower florets, sliced green onions, chili peppers, cilantro, chili oil, and/or freshly squeezed lime juice as preferred.
Notes
- This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty No Yeast Bread with Herbs and Cheese for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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