Creamy Cauliflower and Capsicum Soup

Transform the ingredients from your fridge into a comforting and flavorful creamy soup. This Creamy Cauliflower and Capsicum Soup combines the earthy taste of cauliflower with the sweetness of capsicum, all brought together in a luscious and satisfying soup. Let's start cooking!

Ingredients:

- 1 cup cauliflower florets

- 1 medium capsicum, diced

- 1 onion, chopped

- 1 tomato, peeled and chopped

- 1 chilly, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

- 2 tablespoons ketchup

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or rice vinegar)

- 1 teaspoon origano seasoning

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk

- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:

   - In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped chilly. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

   - Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

2. Build Flavor Base:

   - Incorporate diced capsicum into the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the capsicum softens slightly.

3. Add Tomatoes:

   - Add the peeled and chopped tomato to the pot. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.

4. Create Creamy Base:

   - Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Season and Simmer:

   - Stir in ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, and origano seasoning. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

   - Add the cauliflower florets to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.

6. Blend to Creaminess:

   - Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.

7. Finish with Creaminess:

   - Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk to achieve a luscious texture.

8. Adjust and Serve:

   - Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.

9. Serve and Garnish:

   - Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives.

This Creamy Cauliflower and Capsicum Soup is a delightful blend of flavours and textures, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Serve it with some crusty bread or your favourite soup accompaniments for a satisfying meal.