I know it’s still technically summer and on friday it was about 28 degrees outside but for some reason I had a craving for soup.  It might be that it’s now September, all the fall fashions are in the mall and the commercials are all about back to school. I have even come across Halloween stuff in some stores. For lunch I really wanted something cozy and delicious so I made Cauliflower apple chamomile soup.

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, stems removed and cut into small florets
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 clove chopped garlic
  • 1 Golden Delicious apple, peeled, cored and coarsely grated or diced small
  • ½ tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 3 sleepy time tea bags
  • Grated cheese of your choice for garnish. (parm or smoked gruyere

 

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Toss cauliflower in 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a parchment-lined sheet pan and roast, tossing occasionally, until tender and golden, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil over medium heat in large saucepan and add onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often, until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add apples and thyme and continue to cook, stirring often until softened, about 3 minutes. Add cauliflower, tea bags and broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.

In a blender and working in batches, purée cauliflower mixture until smooth. Return to saucepan and adjust seasoning if needed. Reheat over medium heat, if necessary, and ladle into warm bowls. Garnish with grated cheese.

I really enjoyed this soup, the apple gives it a slight sweetness and the tea just adds more depth to the broth and brings it to another level. If you chose to try a smoked cheese like I did then just add a very small amount because it can overwhelm the soup very easily. The smokiness does add something extra but the soup is amazing all on its own as well! The phot really doesn’t do it justice, its soo YUMMY!