Gut Healthy Cauliflower Soup With Cheese

Cauliflower is one of the unsung heroes of the vegetable world, we find! This humble vegetable is the basis for this cauliflower cheese soup recipe below. A delightful way to add vegetables to your daily diet.

Packed with prebiotic fiber that feeds the good guys in your gut, plus anti-inflammatory properties, it’s perfect for weekdays and even guests.

In fact, studies show that a diet rich in high-fibre vegetables like cauliflower is linked to lower risk of heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes.

Ingredients: cauliflower soup with cheese

• One large cauliflower, cut into large chunks. PS: You can easily make it into a broccoli cauliflower soup by adding some florets of broccoli too.
• Medium-sized celery stick, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
• 1 large potato, finely chopped
• Olive oil for cooking
• 7-8 dl stock (vegetable or chicken, according to preference)
• One end piece of parmesan. Alternatively, use a small handful of grated regular cheese if you don’t have parmesan. I save the end piece in the freezer when the parmesan is finished, and I use it to add flavor and depth to soups. This cauliflower soup parmesan trick is awesome!
• 1 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated if you can
• 3 dl cream, dairy or plant-based
• Salt and pepper to taste

How do you garnish your cauliflower soup with cheese? Chop bacon and fry until crispy; plus, you can add finely chopped fresh parsley. Also, good bread always pairs well with soup! Almonds, toasted and salted, tastes great too.

For an even more nutritious soup, consider adding a small handful of broccoli for a super-tasty broccoli cauliflower soup. Boil and blend together with the rest of the ingredients, and there you go!

Tonje, foodie and Guts & Glory Health co-founder

• Stir the cauliflower soup with cheese to combine and cover with stock.
• Add nutmeg and parmesan.
• Let simmer until the vegetables are soft, about 20-25 minutes.
• Cut the bacon, cook until crisp, and leave to the side.
• Blend the cauliflower vegetable soup with a stick blender (opt for a reasonably priced one!).
• Add cream and season with salt and pepper. If the soup is too thick for your liking, just add a splash of milk or water/stock.

Toppings for cream of cauliflower soup with cheese: Serve the cauliflower soup with cheese, with a garnish of bacon and parsley, plus good bread!

You can serve cauliflower soup cold, but I personally prefer it warm.

Check out our video explaining why keeping our gut microbes happy, can make us feel better too!

7 incredible benefits of creamy cauliflower soup with cheese

Cauliflower offers several gut health benefits due to its nutrient content and unique properties. Here are some ways in which cauliflower can boost your gut health and well-being:

1. Rich in gut-healthy fiber: A good source of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber that benefits your digestion.
2. Prebiotic properties: Contains certain compounds that can act as prebiotics. Prebiotics are substances that boost the growth and activity of the good bacteria in our gut. They act as food for these good bacteria, in turn contributing to gut health and well-being.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds, including antioxidants and phytonutrients. Chronic inflammation in the gut can contribute to digestive issues. Therefore, eating anti-inflammatory foods like cauliflower can help you maintain a balanced and healthy gut environment.
4. Supports detoxification: rich in antioxidants, which can support the body’s detoxification processes. Detoxification is essential for removing harmful substances. It also helps you maintain a healthy gut environment.
5. Source of vitamins and minerals: A good source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and various minerals. These nutrients are important for your health. This includes supporting the immune system and maintaining proper cell function in the digestive tract.
6. May help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders: Some studies suggest that the compounds found in cauliflower, such as sulforaphane, may have protective effects. For instance, against certain gastrointestinal disorders and conditions.

An ode to the onion and leek

Onion and celery are both excellent ingredients to add to a cauliflower recipe. This is due to their nutritional profiles and beneficial compounds. Here are the specific gut health benefits of each:

Onion

Prebiotic Fiber: Prebiotics are a type of fiber that is abundant in onions and acts as food for good gut bacteria. This, in turn, encourages them to grow and be active.

Antioxidants: Onions contain antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the gut. This, in turn, can improve overall gut health and potentially alleviate the symptoms of gut-related issues.

Antimicrobial Properties: Onions have natural antimicrobial properties. This can help balance the gut microbiota by reducing bacteria that are not good for you. Furthermore, it promotes a healthier gut environment.

Fiber Content: The fiber in onions supports regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. This, in turn, promoting overall digestive health. All cauliflower soup ideas should contain onion, in my humble opinion.

Celery

High Fiber Content: Celery is an excellent vegetable to eat for dietary fiber. One reason is that it helps you maintain regular bowel movements, plus it prevents constipation. Overall, this keeps your digestive system running smoothly.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Celery contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids and vitamin C. These can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. This is good for people with inflammatory gut conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Hydration: Celery has a lot of water in it, which helps keep the digestive system hydrated and supports overall digestive function. Proper hydration is crucial for healthy digestion.

Aids Digestion: The natural enzymes in celery can help you break down the food you are eating. This, in turn, helps you digest better and take up nutrients more efficiently.

Alkalizing Effect: Celery is alkaline-forming in the body, which can help balance stomach acid levels and reduce symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

Why use onions and celery in a potato cauliflower soup?

To maximize the gut health benefits of this easy creamy cauliflower soup with potato, you may want to put onions and celery:

Onions: Add raw onions to salads, use them in soups and stews, or add them in stir-fries and roasted vegetable dishes.

Celery: Enjoy celery sticks with hummus or nut butter; add chopped celery to soups, stews, and salads. You can also blend celery into smoothies for an extra nutrient boost.

By often including these vegetables in your diet, you can boost your gut health and digestion. PS for a perfect cauliflower soup garlic is essential. It’s prebiotic and antiinflammatory benefits are a real bonus.

Unlock the potential of cauliflower soup with cheese: Some cautions to consider

It’s important to note that how people react to food can vary. For instance, factors such as overall diet, lifestyle, and specific health conditions play a role in gut health. This includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods, like cauliflower, which, as part of a balanced diet, can contribute to overall gut health. If you have specific digestive concerns, asking a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is advisable. That way, you can get personal advice.

Regardless, this cheese cauliflower soup recipe is a great addition to your weekly menu. This is also true for all soups with cauliflower, as it boosts your gut health!

Photo cred: main image is own; bottom image Tijana Drndarski / Unsplash.com

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