Skip to main content

Curried Cauliflower & Chickpea Soup

This soup was inspired by the cauliflower curry we regularly make at Moosewood Restaurant. The chutney makes it perfect. (See photo)

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 to 6, yields 8 cups

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons grated peeled ginger root
1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained
3 cups water or vegetable broth (see page 295)
1 small head of cauliflower
1 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes
Cranberry Chutney (page 231), Pineapple Chutney (page 229), or your favorite prepared chutney
A few sprigs of cilantro (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a soup pot on medium heat, cook the onions in the oil for a few minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the ginger, curry powder, and salt and sauté for a minute or two, stirring constantly so the spices don’t burn. Add the chickpeas and the water, cover, and bring to a boil.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups). When the water boils, stir in the cauliflower and tomatoes, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    When the cauliflower is done, remove the pot from the heat. Purée 2 or 3 cups of the soup in a blender and stir it back into the pot. Top each bowl of soup with a large spoonful of chutney and a sprig of cilantro.

  2. Serving & menu ideas

    Step 4

    Serve warm chapatis or naan bread with this spicy soup.

Cover of the cookbook Moosewood Simple Suppers with a red floral motif.
From Moosewood Restaurant Simple Suppers: Fresh Ideas for the Weeknight Table. Copyright © 2017 by Moosewood Collective. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC. Buy the full book from ThriftBooks or Amazon.
Read More
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like a cucumber-cilantro chutney sandwich and scallop piccata.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
A why-didn't-I-think-of-that technique takes this classic from great to greater.