Roasted Cauliflower and Harissa Soup Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Make Ahead

by: Kirthana | Theblurrylime

January30,2016

4.8

4 Ratings

  • Serves 2 - 3

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

I love the flavor of roasted cauliflower and cumin, but the harissa mixed into it takes it to a whole new level. This North-African chile paste is seriously hot, and using half a teaspoon in this soup had me wiping my brow halfway through. It’s the kind of heat that lurks in the background, and by the time you’ve made your way to the bottom of the bowl, you’re sure to hear your internal furnace roar to life. My word of advice would be to use sparingly at first and taste and add more as you go along. This soup leaves a lot of wiggle room to easily tweak as you go. —Kirthana | Theblurrylime

Test Kitchen Notes

WHO: Kirthana is the Chennai, India-based blogger behind theblurrylime.com.
WHAT: A fiery, creamy (without cream!) cauliflower soup spiked with harissa.
HOW: Roast cauliflower with spices and harissa until brown, simmer until tender, and blend until super smooth.
WHY WE LOVE IT: We love cauliflower. We love harissa. And we love that this soup doesn’t shy away from bold spices and heady heat. Of course, you can adjust the amount of harissa to your preferences—even 1/4 teaspoon be plenty hot for some. —The Editors

  • Test Kitchen-Approved
  • Your Best Recipe for When You Want It to Feel Like Fall Contest Winner

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 500 gramscauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 1 teaspooncumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoonharissa paste (or more, to taste)
  • 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 an onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoonturmeric powder
  • 1/4 cupmilk
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt
Directions
  1. Line a baking tray with aluminium foil. Toss the cauliflower with 2 tablepsoons olive oil, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and harissa until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer and bake at 180°C/360°F for 45 to 50 mins, or until they’ve browned. Remove and set aside. Taste and check the fieriness of the harissa at this stage; add more if you'd like and return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
  2. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the roasted cauliflower along with any of the remaining cumin on the foil to the pot, and pour in 2 cups of water. Season with pepper and salt. Cover and bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the florets and tender. Take off the heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Once cooled, add to a blender/use an immersion blender and blend until smooth. Check seasoning and add milk and more water to get the right consistency. Return the soup to a clean pot and gently reheat. Best served hot.

Tags:

  • Soup
  • Vegetable
  • Cauliflower
  • Cumin
  • Milk/Cream
  • Make Ahead
  • One-Pot Wonders
  • Serves a Crowd
  • Slow Cooker
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
Contest Entries
  • Your Best Recipe for When You Want It to Feel Like Fall

Popular on Food52

16 Reviews

MilletteofSd January 8, 2023

Thank you for a fantastic Cauliflower Soup recipe. I was able to find harissa for my first attempt and now will use the powdered Harissa. The seasoning was GREAT. Best regards, Millette

Myra October 19, 2019

I have made this recipe several times and it is a winner! I tweaked it a little by using chicken broth and triple the amount of spices used. I like spicy food so increasing the amount harissa paste was a must. I also serve it with a spoonful of sour cream and chopped cilantro to garnish. This is a great recipe for a cozy night in!

Brsboarder October 26, 2016

Are you using whole milk? 2%? thoughts on 1%?

Mambi October 14, 2016

Made this tonight, was delicious!

Kirthana |. October 14, 2016

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Mambi! So glad you liked it,

Mambi January 25, 2023

6 years later and still making this one! A regular on our Winter table :)

Jennine October 12, 2016

Can't wait to try this tonight! Congratulations on winning the contest. I don't have any whole cumin seeds on hand. Can I substitute ground? And if so, how much would you suggest? Thanks!

Kirthana |. October 12, 2016

Hi Jennine! Thank you! :) and yes, you could absolutely use ground cumin. I would suggest 1/2 a tsp for this amount.

blackolive29 September 16, 2020

Did not mean to flag you🙄 im new here and making this soup

Joy H. October 7, 2016

Congratulations on being chosen as a Finalist! I will definitely be on the lookout for harissa so I can try this recipe!

Kirthana |. October 12, 2016

Thank you! I love the sound of your kaddo too and already have it bookmarked to try!

Panfusine September 23, 2016

Can I substitute powdered Harissa for the paste (or make a paste my whisking the powder with olive oil & water)?

Kirthana |. September 23, 2016

Hi! I've never used powdered harissa ( or heard about it until now :), but I would definitely add it to a little olive oil until it resembles a thick ointment and use that to coat the cauliflower.

Panfusine September 24, 2016

I get my stock of Powdered Harissa from Kalustyans, its a staple spice in my kitchen, since good quality Harissa paste isn't always available at local groceries.

Kirthana |. October 12, 2016

I don't get harissa in Chennai where I live, so usually end up stocking up when someone from abroad comes to visit. Coincidentally the brand of harissa that I buy is the same one food52 has used in this recipe!

MilletteofSd January 8, 2023

Hello. Thank you fir this suggestion of dry harissa powder. I love this Cauliflower Soup, so can I ask what are your (dry spice) measurements? Thanks in advance.

Roasted Cauliflower and Harissa Soup Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

Why is my cauliflower soup tasteless? ›

Bland cauliflower soup is a result of a lack of seasoning. Here's how to ensure every bowl is packed with flavor. Season twice with salt and pepper: You'll start by seasoning the cauliflower florets with salt and pepper before roasting.

Which soup is usually made of cauliflower in French cuisine? ›

Cauliflower Soup (Creme du Barry)

What brings out the Flavour of cauliflower? ›

There are two really simple techniques that bring out the best in cauliflower: grilling and pickling. Dumping cauliflower florets in a mixture of salt and lemon juice for 45 minutes to an hour turns them into spiky little flavor bombs, delivering high-pitched squeaks in salads, sandwiches or the stew recipe here.

How do you add depth of flavor to soup? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

What are the forgotten vegetables in France? ›

Forgotten vegetables
  • Chinese artichoke or crosne or knotroot.
  • Jerusalem artichoke or topinambur.
  • Rutabaga.
  • Salsify.
  • Scorzonera or black salsify.

What is the French term of endearment cauliflower? ›

Try referring to them as “mon petit chou-fleur”. Literally translated, this means “my little cauliflower”. A bit strange to us, sure, but it's a commonly used term of endearment in France.

Why is it called Creme du Barry? ›

Called Crème du Barry in France, its name lies in history, like many good French recipes. This easy, rich and creamy soup was named after Madame Jeanne Bécu, comtesse du Barry, a famous French beauty who was the last official mistress of the ill-fated king, Louis XV.

How do I fix bland tasting soup? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

Why does my soup have no flavor? ›

Ensure you've added enough salt and black pepper. Too little salt means your soup's flavours' will remain hidden. When you know your soup is salty enough, move on to other seasonings like herbs and spices.

What to add to flavorless vegetable soup? ›

When I think of vegetable soup, I think of a thin, flat-tasting soup with no fat — aka, no flavor! Here's how we fix that in this Vegetable Soup recipe: Adding a parmesan cheese rind to the simmering soup infuses it with salty, umami flavor. This is SUCH an easy way to add tons of flavor to soup.

Is cauliflower tasteless? ›

When eaten raw, cauliflower is crunchy, and it has a mild, fresh flavor. This makes it very easy to season or flavor any way you like! It is also a well of nutritional benefits. Cauliflower has only 25 calories per cup, and it contains Vitamin C, folate, and potassium among other nutrients.

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