This recipe for Low Fat Creamy Cauliflower Saffron Soup makes a delicate, soup with subtle flavors and velvety texture. Comfort in a bowl.
I’ve made this wonderful cauliflower soup for lunch and served it with warm bread, (or if you’re feeling indulgent Perfect Garlic Bread) but it also makes a fantastic starter for dinner parties as well. A friend describes it as ‘A soup that will make you a cauliflower fan even if you’re not.’ Even kids love it!
Because it’s so bright in color, they don’t know it’s a vegetable soup and it’s a winner every time!
Why This Recipe Works
- The addition of saffron to this basic cauliflower soup gives it a subtle flavor that can’t be beat!
- Adding a potato to the soup instead of cream gives it a creamy texture without the added calories.
- A little garlic helps flavor this soup without making it overpowering.
How to make low fat creamy cauliflower saffron soup
- Simmer the stock. Add saffron and steep.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, fry onions, and celery. Brown the garlic.
- Add the cauliflower and potato and stir.
- Pour in the stock and bring to a boil.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy!
Albeit flavorful, this is a subtle soup. If you are looking for an intense soup with big flavors, this is not the soup you’re looking for, but I happen to find it elegant and delicious.
What is Saffron?
Saffron is a spice derived from the Crocus flower, also known as the “saffron crocus”. It has vivid red stigma and styles, called threads. These are collected and dried to use to flavor cooking. Saffron is the most expensive spice by weight.
It’s well worth buying a good quality brand to use in your cooking, such as Mazaeus which is my favorite, as it’s rich in color and flavor.
To make this soup suitable for vegetarians simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock.
Make ahead and Freezing Instructions
- To Make Ahead: This is one of those recipes that tastes even better a day after making it. I often make it a day ahead, store it in the fridge overnight, and reheat it to serve.
- To Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to three days in a suitable airtight container.
- To Freeze: Pour the soup into a freezer-safe, airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
Other Great Soups
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Let’s Make Low Fat Creamy Cauliflower Saffron Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or low-fat cooking spray
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 stalks of celery finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1½ pounds cauliflower cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium potato peeled and quartered
- a good handful of fresh parsley
Instructions
- Add the chicken stock in a medium saucepan and bring to simmer. Remove from heat and add the saffron threads. Set aside to steep.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions & celery; sauté until quite tender but not brown (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook another minute.
- Add the cauliflower & potato; stir to coat.
- Add saffron stock. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the cauliflower & potato are tender (about 20 minutes).
- Using a hand blender or food processor, puree the soup until smooth.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Tips + Notes
- To make this soup suitable for vegetarians, simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock.
Sara Welch says
Such a delicious soup! Looking forward to curling up on the couch with this on a cold day like today!
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you Sara!
Melanie says
The addition of saffron to this soup is awesome!
Catalina says
This is the soup season! I should try this flavor!
Vik says
Decided to try this one out and was not disappointed! Family loved it, will try again
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This soup looks incredibly delicious!
Dorothy Reinhold says
Cauliflower is becoming one of my go to ingredients! Love a good fall soup!
Amanda says
This looks amazing thank you for sharing!
Wendi says
I am avoiding potatoes so I did this soup with celery root – which thickens and adds a great flavor to it. Just cube like you would a potato and enjoy. Very good alternative for those avoiding the carbs of regular soups. Delicious.
Erren says
What a great option Wendi. I’m also on a low carb diet right now and may try that myself! 🙂
Gina says
This soup is so incredibly good!
Erren says
Isn’t it? Love it too! Thanks for the feedback, Gina!
Jill Denton says
Hi Erren,
This soup looks delicious! In the directions you mention butter but there is no mention of it in the ingredients. How much butter do you use? Also, the soup looks so creamy like it has been blended in a blender or food processor yet you don’t mention that? Can you be more specific on how you get it so creamy? Thank you!
Erren says
Hi Jill, Sorry about that. I copied the first draft of the recipe instead of the one I ended up using. I’ve updated it now. Thanks for letting me know! 🙂