Healing Cauliflower Soup with Roasted Beets

A nourishing recipe designed to support digestive health through Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic principles

Overview

This warming, easily digestible soup combines cauliflower’s dampness-dispelling properties with digestive spices to create a therapeutic meal. The partial blending technique creates a beautifully creamy texture while maintaining some vegetable pieces for satisfying mouthfeel.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped
  • 2 leeks (white and light green parts), sliced
  • 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2-3 medium beets, roasted and diced
  • 6-8 cups warm vegetable broth or water

Fats & Seasonings

  • 2-3 tbsp ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1.5-2 inches fresh ginger, minced
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Optional: 1-2 bay leaves

Method

Roasted Beets (prepare first)

  1. Roast 2-3 medium beets in the oven until tender, then dice

Soup Preparation

  1. Heat 2-3 tbsp ghee in a large pot over medium heat
  2. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1 tsp fennel seeds, cook until they pop and become fragrant (1-2 minutes)
  3. Add 2 leeks (white and light green parts, sliced) and 2-3 celery stalks (chopped), sauté until soft (about 5 minutes)
  4. Add 1.5-2 inches fresh ginger (minced) and 1 large head cauliflower (chopped), stir for 2-3 minutes
  5. Pour in 6-8 cups warm vegetable broth or water, add 1-2 bay leaves if using
  6. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until cauliflower is very tender
  7. Add diced roasted beets in the last 5 minutes of cooking
  8. Remove bay leaves if used

Creating the Perfect Texture

  1. Once soup is fully cooked and flavorful, remove more than 2/3 of the soup and blend until completely smooth and creamy
  2. Return the blended creamy portion to the pot with the remaining chunky pieces (less than 1/3)
  3. Stir gently to combine - this creates a luxuriously creamy base with satisfying chunks throughout
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Therapeutic Benefits

Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Cauliflower, leeks, celery: Support “Dispel Dampness & Phlegm” - perfect for addressing white tongue coating
  • Warming spices: Support “Tonify Qi” for digestive strength
  • Cooked preparation: Easier on the digestive system than raw foods

Ayurvedic Principles

  • Warm, cooked foods: Support digestive fire (agni)
  • Digestive spices: Cumin, fennel, and ginger enhance digestion
  • Ghee: Kindles digestive fire and aids nutrient absorption
  • Simple preparation: Easy for the body to process

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as your main lunch meal (when digestion is strongest)
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro if tolerated
  • Add a squeeze of lemon for gentle astringent quality
  • Pairs beautifully with gently pan-cooked salmon

Storage

  • Keeps in refrigerator for 3-4 days
  • Gently reheat on stovetop, adding a little water if needed
  • The flavors develop beautifully overnight

This recipe supports anti-candida protocols while nourishing digestive qi and reducing internal dampness.