Soups
wo-Color Cauliflower Soup
Two-Color Cauliflower Soup is a homestyle soup featuring cauliflower and broccoli as its main ingredients. The contrast of white and green is visually appealing. The cauliflower is soft and tender, while the broccoli is crisp and refreshing. The soup is typically flavored with dried shrimp and bone broth, resulting in a light and savory taste. This soup is known for tonifying the kidneys, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and boosting immunity. Preparation takes about 20-30 minutes.
Main Ingredients
- Cauliflower 200g
- Broccoli 200g
- Dried small shrimps 10g
- Stock (or water) 1000ml
- Fresh ginger 2-3 slices
- Spring onion 1 section
- Salt 3-5g
- Sesame oil 2-3g
- Ground white pepper a pinch
- Cooking oil a little
Steps
Wash the cauliflower and broccoli, and cut into small florets. Soak the dried shrimps in water until soft. Clean the soup bones.
Place soup bones, soaked shrimps, and 800ml of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes to create a rich broth.
To preserve color and texture, blanch the cauliflower and broccoli in boiling water until 70% cooked (add a few drops of oil and a pinch of salt to the water to maintain vibrant color). Remove and set aside.
Add the blanched vegetables to the simmering broth and cook for about 3-5 minutes until tender.
Season with salt, sesame oil, and ground white pepper. Serve hot.
TCM Notes
Cauliflower & Broccoli: Both are cruciferous vegetables rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and glucosinolates. Vitamin C enhances liver detoxification and immunity; dietary fiber promotes intestinal motility; glucosinolates convert to isothiocyanates with antioxidant, anti-aging, and potential anti-cancer effects. They may also help lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Dried shrimp: Rich in protein and calcium, adding umami flavor to the soup. One serving (approx. 800g) contains about 159 kcal and is rich in protein, vitamins A and C, and minerals.
Suitable for：Suitable for the general population Pregnant women and those on weight-loss diets (low-calorie, high-nutrition) Those managing "three highs" (hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia) Those needing to supplement vitamin C and boost immunity Those focusing on antioxidant and anti-aging benefits
Not suitable for：Those allergic to seafood (dried shrimp) – should avoid Those with gout or hyperuricemia – consume with caution, reducing shrimp and broth Those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold or prone to diarrhea – should not overconsume Those with hypothyroidism – cruciferous vegetables contain thiocyanates that may interfere with iodine absorption; consume in moderation
