Simmered Cauliflower and Thyme Soup
A velvety, herb-infused soup made with roasted cauliflower and thyme, ideal for cold days. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium, diced carrots, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large head, cut into florets cauliflower
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 1/2 cup, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp, fresh or dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup onion (diced) and 2 cloves garlic (minced), sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 large cauliflower head (cut into florets), 2 medium carrots (diced), and 1 tsp thyme to the pot. Stir for 2 minutes, then pour in 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 25 minutes until vegetables are very tender.
- Step 3: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, then simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Cauliflower and Thyme Soup take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Simmered Cauliflower and Thyme Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, diced carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Cauliflower and Thyme Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Simmered Cauliflower and Thyme Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Simmered Cauliflower and Thyme Soup?
Mediterranean soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
