Curried Cauliflower Soup

Soup is one of my ultimate comfort foods, especially on a rainy day or at the onset of a cold. Yesterday I began feeling a little under the weather, so to stave off what I suspected were the beginnings of a nasty bug, I whipped up this creamy soup chock-full of healthy, healing ingredients.

While it's not as colorful as a tomato or as trendy as kale, cauliflower is a superfood in that it is rich in vitamins C and K, along with folate, dietary fiber and the two phytonutrients (chemical nutrients found in plants) sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, which together help prevent cancer.
And despite the russet potato's bad rap in recent years, this humble tuber shouldn't be feared. Like cauliflower, russet potatoes are high in immune-boosting vitamin C as well as vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin and iron. Also, be sure to leave the skin on, because that's where the majority of the fiber is.

Onions are the perfect defense against a cold, or any disease, for that matter. Full of vitamins C and B6, biotin, chromium, calcium and fiber, onions also contain sulfur-containing amino acids called methionine and cystine, which are good at detoxifying the body.



 

There's a reason why Mom always reached for the chicken noodle soup when you came home sick as a kid. Chicken stock (and broth) provides potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron, all of which are important for a healthy heart, strong bones and transporting oxygen to cells and organs. Just be sure the stock is low in sodium; I also look for organic brands that are made from whole, natural ingredients.

 

Turmeric, the spice in curry powder that gives it that distinct yellow color, also is responsible for a number of health benefits, including reducing joint inflammation, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers. Other spices, such as anise, allspice and cardamom, can help reduce indigestion. Cumin is also good for easing an upset stomach and can help boost immunity thanks to essential oils that act as disinfectants and fight viral infections.

 

While a toasty piece of bread or gooey sandwich would go great with this soup, I topped my bowl with a chicken breast I rubbed with more curry power, cumin and garam masala -- gotta get my protein somehow -- then grilled in the oven.

This soup was so good, it was all I could do not to eat the entire pot in one sitting. The only thing stopping me: the thought of leftovers! Happy Eating!