Name: Golden Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Fusion / Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into about 5 cups of chunks or florets; 1 cup cashews; 1 tablespoon turmeric powder; 7-8 cups water; 2 teaspoons salt; A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to cozy up your kitchen and your soul, let me introduce you to the Golden Soup. This vibrant, velvety masterpiece is not only a feast for your eyes with its glowing hue but also a comforting hug in a bowl. Packed with wholesome ingredients like cauliflower, turmeric, and creamy cashews, the Golden Soup is the perfect balance of nourishing and indulgent, brightened with a splash of lemon juice. Trust me, once you get a taste of this warm and silky soup, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to whip up whenever you need something soothing yet flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simple list fool you — each ingredient plays an essential role in building the soup’s rich flavor, lush texture, and beautiful golden color. From the earthy turmeric that gives this soup its signature glow to the cashews that provide a creamy, decadent feel without any dairy, every item contributes to making this dish unforgettable.

Olive oil: A smooth base that softens the aromatics and adds a lovely fruity richness.
Half an onion, chopped: Builds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
2 cloves garlic, chopped: Adds a punch of savory warmth that elevates the whole soup.
1 head cauliflower, chopped (about 5 cups): Creates the hearty, creamy body of the soup and soaks up all the lovely spices.
1 cup cashews: The secret star for luscious creaminess without cream.
1 tablespoon turmeric: Infuses the soup with its signature golden hue and offers subtle earthy, slightly bitter notes—plus fantastic health benefits.
7-8 cups water: The body and broth of the soup, adjustable to your favorite consistency.
2 teaspoons salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors and bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Squeeze of lemon juice: Adds a bright finishing touch that lifts and refreshes every spoonful.

How to Make Golden Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating olive oil in a deep soup pot until shimmering. Toss in your chopped onion and garlic, cooking gently until translucent and fragrant. Then add the cauliflower chunks, cashews, and turmeric, stirring to coat everything in that gorgeous golden spice. Let this mixture sauté for 10 minutes; this step builds the foundation of flavor that makes the Golden Soup so irresistible.

Step 2: Simmer to Tenderness

Pour in about 4 cups of water along with the salt, then bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Cook until the cauliflower is tender and easy to break apart with a spoon, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes. This simmering process softens the ingredients and helps the flavors meld into a savory, aromatic broth.

Step 3: Blend into Creamy Perfection

Carefully transfer your soup to a blender in batches, blending until smooth and creamy. This is when the cashews work their magic, transforming the soup’s texture into something silky and rich. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the blender just a few times for little bits of cauliflower to remain.

Step 4: Finish and Adjust

Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Add the remaining 2 to 3 cups of water to reach your desired thickness. Now’s the time to taste and adjust the salt, and don’t forget to squeeze in fresh lemon juice—this bright note makes all the difference. Give it a good stir, and your cozy bowl of Golden Soup is ready to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Golden Soup

Garnishes

While the Golden Soup is delightful on its own, topping it with some crispy spiced chickpeas, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley takes it over the top. These little touches add crunchy contrasting textures and fresh herbal brightness that truly elevate each spoonful.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crusty baguette or warm flatbread to soak up every last drop. A simple mixed green salad or roasted veggies pair beautifully to complement the silky richness of the soup without overwhelming it. This combo creates a well-rounded, satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Golden Soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or large mushrooms for an autumnal vibe. Another idea is to swirl in a splash of coconut milk or yogurt on top for a lovely marbled effect. Presentation matters because it sets the mood—playful, cozy, and inviting, just like this soup itself.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Golden Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its fresh flavors. When you’re ready for more, simply reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep that rich creaminess intact.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect batch-cooking option. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its silky texture or bright flavors.

Reheating

When reheating frozen or refrigerated Golden Soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge first, if possible. Warm it gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to revive its creamy goodness. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Is the Golden Soup vegan and dairy-free?

Absolutely! The creamy texture comes from cashews, so there’s no need for any dairy, making this soup perfect for vegan and dairy-free diets.

Can I substitute cashews with another nut or seed?

You can try using soaked almonds or sunflower seeds, though the flavor and creaminess will be slightly different. Cashews have a unique creaminess that’s tough to replicate perfectly.

What if I don’t have turmeric? Can I leave it out?

Turmeric is key for both the color and warmth of the soup. Without it, the soup won’t have its distinctive golden hue or subtle earthy flavor, but the soup will still be tasty. Adding a pinch of curry powder can be an interesting alternative.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?

Definitely! Using vegetable broth instead of water will add even more depth and richness to your Golden Soup, making it heartier.

How spicy is the Golden Soup?

This soup is mild and comforting, with no added heat unless you choose to add spices like cayenne. It’s meant to be soothing and approachable for all palates.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of Golden Soup—how its color alone can brighten a grey day and how its flavors can feel like a tender embrace. Whether you’re making it on a chilly evening or as a nutritious lunch, I encourage you to share this recipe with friends and family. Once you taste it, I’m confident the Golden Soup will become your go-to comfort food as it has become mine. Happy cooking and even happier slurping!

Golden Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Golden Soup is a creamy, comforting, and nutrient-packed soup featuring cauliflower, cashews, and vibrant turmeric. This easy-to-make recipe boasts a lovely golden hue and a rich, savory flavor balanced with the freshness of lemon juice. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a healthy and warming bowl of soup.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 head of cauliflower, chopped into about 5 cups of chunks or florets
1 cup cashews
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
7–8 cups water
2 teaspoons salt

Finishing Touches

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a deep soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, cauliflower, cashews, and turmeric powder. Sauté the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes very fragrant and the cauliflower begins to soften.
Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of water and add the salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the cauliflower is fully softened, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Blend: Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Be cautious with hot liquids and blend in small quantities to avoid spills.
Finish: Return the blended soup to the pot. Add the remaining 2-3 cups of water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with more salt as needed. Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Optionally, garnish with spiced chickpeas, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting richness.

Notes

Turmeric is the key ingredient giving this soup its characteristic golden color and earthy flavor; use fresh or ground turmeric powder for the best results.
If you prefer a thinner or thicker soup, adjust the water quantity accordingly during the finishing step.
Soaking the cashews for 1 hour before cooking can result in an even creamier texture but is optional.
For added protein, top with spiced chickpeas or toasted nuts.
This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Sauté, Simmer, Blend
Cuisine: Fusion / Vegetarian