Get ready to transform an ordinary cauliflower into a luxuriously creamy, smoky sensation that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Instant Pot Smoky Creamy Cauliflower Soup is not just another soup recipe – it's a culinary magic trick that turns humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who loves incredible flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new secret weapon.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and chopping cauliflower into medium-sized florets, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add chopped cauliflower florets to the Instant Pot and stir to combine with onions and garlic.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring all cauliflower is mostly submerged. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual/Pressure Cook function for 5 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking cycle completes, perform a quick release of pressure by carefully turning the valve to venting position.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the Instant Pot until smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer to a standard blender in batches.
- Stir in heavy cream, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra smoked paprika, chopped chives, or crispy bacon bits.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm cauliflower head for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't skip the sautéing step – it develops deep, rich flavors that make this soup extraordinary.
- Use an immersion blender for the easiest and most mess-free blending experience.
- For extra richness, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk if heavy cream is too rich.
- The smoked paprika is key to the soup's unique flavor profile – don't substitute with regular paprika.
- If you want a lighter version, you can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- For added protein, consider topping with crispy bacon bits or roasted chickpeas.
- Always do a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking the cauliflower.
- Taste and adjust seasonings after blending to ensure perfect flavor balance.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 70mg
