Cauliflower Soup

Our guests' favorite recipe of 2023 from Executive Chef Joel Werner at the Firetower is his delicious cauliflower soup. With a beautiful balance of flavor, this is a great soup to add to your recipe book.

Cauliflower Soup
Serves 4 to 6

3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 large (2-2 ½ pounds) head cauliflower, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 small bunch thyme sprigs, tied with twine or wrapped in cheesecloth and tied
About 3 cups water
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar

To make:
Place the olive oil in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven set over medium low heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent. Be careful not to brown the onions. Add the cauliflower and stir to combine. Cover and continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, being careful not to brown. Add the thyme and enough water to cover the cauliflower. Decrease the heat to medium low, cover and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to cook until the water has reduced by three-fourths, about 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.

Transfer the mixture, in batches in necessary, to a heavy-duty blender, and puree until completely smooth. Transfer the pureed mixture to a mixing bowl, add the vinegar and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.