Creamy Cauliflower Potato Chowder (Print Version)

Creamy vegetable chowder with cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots in a savory broth. Ready in 45 minutes for a comforting meal.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
02 - 1 large carrot, diced
03 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
04 - 1 stalk celery, diced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Base & Seasoning

07 - 3 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped
16 - Shredded cheese or plant-based cheese

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook the flour thoroughly.
04 - Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Add potatoes and cauliflower florets.
05 - Season with thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are very tender.
06 - Stir in the milk and simmer for another 5 minutes.
07 - For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder directly in the pot, or transfer 2 cups to a blender and purée, then return to the pot.
08 - Taste the chowder and adjust seasonings as needed.
09 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh chives, parsley, or shredded cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its the kind of soup that makes people pause after their first spoonful and ask whats in it
  • You get all the creamy comfort of classic chowder without any cream at all
02 -
  • Always add the liquid gradually while whisking after adding flour, or you'll end up with stubborn lumps that are nearly impossible to smooth out
  • If you're using a countertop blender instead of an immersion blender, never fill it more than halfway with hot soup, and remove the center cap from the lid to let steam escape
03 -
  • Cut your cauliflower and potatoes to roughly the same size so everything finishes cooking at the same time
  • Let the chowder rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving to let the flavors settle and the texture stabilize
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