Roasted Garlic and Cauliflower Soup
Image: Dagny Walter.
This is an old favourite of mine. I first made it during the days when 5:2 fasting was popular, and I still eat it now for a hearty meal but is still light. It takes on flavours quite easily so if you want to spice it up, try it with your favourite curry spice blend. If you want more calories, add some oil or cream.
Ingredients
One whole bulb of garlic (yes a bulb, not a clove)
One whole head of cauliflower
Chicken or vegetable stock cube (I use Kallo or Marigold)
Water
Optional - 1 tbsp curry powder
Method
Preheat oven to 160 deg C.
Wrap the bulb in foil and bake for 30 mins until the cloves are soft. Set aside until cool.
Break the cauliflower into florets and bake dry on a baking tray until very lightly golden (the roasting imparts a deeper flavour without the need for oil).
Remove the pulp from each of the garlic cloves and add to a saucepan with the golden cauliflower.
Cover the vegetables with enough water and add the stock cube.
Heat through until softened and then blend everything in a food processor or use a blending stick.
Check for seasoning and add more water if needed.
Serve hot with your favourite garnish - herbs, seeds, nuts -or just add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Food facts
Garlic contains compounds with medicinal properties. It is part of the the allium family (onion), so closely related to onions and leeks. It contains a key sulfur compound called allicin for which it is well known and it is this key compound that exerts many of its potential benefits. There is strong evidence for garlic improving cardiovascular health. It is frequently used as an anti-microbial for certain gut related conditions. It is high in FODMAP’s so if you follow a low FODMAP diet, you may want to limit garlic.
Cauliflower is from the cruciferous family of vegetables - one of the most nutritionally dense foods high in antioxidants, especially glucosinolates, isothiocynates, carotenoids and flavanoids. It is especially high in vitamin C, low in calories and high in fibre. It is particularly high in choline (alongside broccoli) which plays a key role in supporting and maintaining cell membranes and is helpful for a healthy nervous system.