Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Soup Food

CAULIFLOWER CHEESE SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a large saucepan. Tip in the onion and cook until softened, about 5 mins, stirring often. Add the cauliflower, potato, stock, milk and seasoning. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and leave to simmer for about 30 mins until the cauliflower is soft and the potato almost collapsing.
• Whizz in a food processor or crush with a potato masher until you get a creamy, thick soup. Top up with more milk to thin a little if serving in mugs. You can make ahead up to 2 days in advance, cool, cover and leave in the fridge until needed, or freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, warm through, ladle into mugs or bowls, top with the cheese pieces, then stir through before eating.

CREAMY VEGAN CAULIFLOWER SOUP

Steps:

• Place the whole head of garlic unpeeled in an oven at 200 C / 400 F for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
• In a large saucepan fry the leek in a little olive oil until soft. (About 3 minutes).
• Add in the cauliflower and stir for a couple of minutes until well coated.
• Squeeze in the roasted garlic pulp.
• Cover with the vegetable broth. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to a medium flame, and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes until the cauliflower is soft. I like to stir frequently and mash the cauliflower with the spoon as it cooks to make it easier to blend.
• Let the mixture cool enough to put batches in the blender, and puree with the cashews until smooth and creamy.
• Transfer to a clean pot and heat on low to serve. Season with Celtic salt to taste.
• To serve - top each bowl with a grain ball and a generous sprinkle of chives.

VEGAN CAULIFLOWER CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the cauliflower florets and stalks with the oil in a large roasting tin and season well. Roast for 25-30 mins until almost tender, then add the leaves and cook for a further 5 mins.
• To make the sauce, melt the vegan butter block in a large saucepan. Add the flour, mustard powder, onion and garlic granules and cook for 2-3 mins. Gradually add the soya milk, whisking well to incorporate. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, then simmer for 4-5 mins until thickened and reduced slightly. Add the nutritional yeast and season well, then whisk to combine.
• Tip the sourdough breadcrumbs and vegan cheese into a bowl and stir to combine. Season well. Remove the cauliflower from the oven, spoon over the sauce and stir to combine. Scatter over the cheesy sourdough crumbs and return to the oven for 10 mins until bubbling and golden. Serve as a side or main with a green salad.