Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Vegan soups are not only healthy and easy to make, but also affordable and great for feeding a crowd. Many soups are naturally vegan or can easily be adapted to be vegan-friendly.
What Makes a Soup Vegan?
A vegan soup excludes all animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. It primarily consists of vegetables, grains, legumes, and plant-based broths.
Creamy Vegan Soups: Dairy-Free Options
Achieving a creamy texture in vegan soups without dairy is simple. Ingredients like coconut milk, cashew cream, blended tofu, or pureed vegetables such as potatoes or cauliflower can be used.
Boosting Protein in Vegan Soups
To increase the protein content of vegan soups, add ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, or tofu, all of which are excellent sources of plant-based protein. The Plant-Based Soup from EatPlant-Based is packed with about 25 grams of protein per serving.
Enhancing Flavor in Vegan Soups
Flavor boosters such as nutritional yeast, miso paste, soy sauce, fresh herbs, or smoked paprika can add depth and umami to vegan soups.
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Essential Vegan Soup Recipes
Classic Lentil Soup
A comforting and nourishing soup that serves as a go-to remedy.
White Bean Soup
Loaded with vegetables, beans, and warm spices, this soup is perfect for a filling lunch or dinner. The Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale is a highly-rated, flavorful option that requires just one pot.
Vegetable Soup
A flavorful, hearty, and comforting soup loaded with wholesome ingredients. Instant Pot Vegetable Soup is another great option, bursting with flavor.
Sweet Potato Soup
A naturally sweet and flavorful soup that is both creamy and nutritious. The African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew is a standout recipe, known for its amazing flavors.
Vegan Potato Soup
A deep-rooted comfort food, perfect for any time of year.
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Vegan Mushroom Soup
A gourmet soup with a creamy, bisque-like texture and savory flavor.
French Onion Soup
A vegan version of the classic, with all the flavor but a fraction of the fat, derived from deeply caramelized onions.
Vegan Miso Ramen Japanese Soup
Flavored with miso broth and a mix of vegetables like cabbage, green onions, and corn, served over ramen noodles. This can be prepared quickly, in about 20 minutes.
Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
Rich in plant-based protein and lightly sweetened with sweet potato.
Spiced Chickpea Soup
A nourishing comfort food packed with chickpeas, butternut squash, and warming spices.
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Butternut Squash Lentil Soup
Chock-full of hearty veggies and lentils, seasoned with herbs.
Vegan Corn Chowder
Creamy, delicious, and full of good-for-you vegetables.
Ethiopian-Spiced Kabocha Squash Soup
Creamy, smooth, and seasoned with berbere spice.
Collard Miso Soup
A unique pairing of tender collards with Japanese sweet white miso and tofu.
Tofu Chili
A plant-based twist on classic comfort food.
Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup
A delicious take on the classic recipe, seasoned with Hatch green chiles, cumin, garlic, and cilantro.
Sweet Potato and Beet Soup
Made with beets and their stalks and greens, this low-waste recipe includes ginger, carrots, celery, red onion, and garlic.
Sweet Potato Cauliflower Soup
A simple yet delightful vegan soup.
Red Lentil Carrot Soup
Seasoned with cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and ginger.
Curried Parsnip Soup
Features the naturally sweet and earthy parsnip in a creamy spiced soup.
Lemon Chickpea Soup
A bright and fresh soup, similar to chicken noodle soup.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Hearty, rich, and flavor-packed, yet healthy, vegan, and gluten-free.
Creamy Avocado Pea Gazpacho
Made with avocados, peas, cucumbers, lime juice, cilantro, and coconut milk.
Gambian Peanut Stew
Packed with white beans, sweet potatoes, and kale.
Instant Pot Pumpkin Lasagna Soup
A combination of pasta and soup flavors.
Creamy Mushroom and Black Beluga Lentil Stew
Features black beluga lentils, mushrooms, and kale.
Lentil and Cabbage Soup
Made with affordable ingredients, perfect for meal prep.
Vegan Broccoli Soup
A creamy comfort food with crunchy nutty crumbles on top.
White Bean Soup
Features dried white beans, fresh herbs, miso, and braised garlic.
Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup
A creamy and aromatic soup made in the Instant Pot.
Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Lentils
Features creamy squash and a crunchy lentil topping.
Vegan Potato Leek Soup
Classic buttery leeks and potatoes paired with cannellini beans and a herby oil.
Cauliflower Soup
Creamy yet dairy-free, thanks to cashews and cannellini beans.
Instant Pot Chickpea Orzo Soup
Made with chickpeas, orzo, spices, and fresh herbs.
Italian-Inspired Soups
Minestrone Soup
A hearty vegan soup featuring fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs.
Ribollita
A hearty bean soup with vegetables and torn pieces of garlic bread.
Pasta e Ceci
Italian garbanzo bean soup thickened with small pasta.
Vegan Zuppa Toscana
A plant-forward, dairy-free soup with vegan Italian sausage, fennel, onion, garlic, kale, and cashew cream.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Vegan Soups
Broth
Using bouillon paste instead of boxed broth offers a more concentrated flavor. Homemade broths, especially vegetable or mushroom stock, can enhance the soup's richness.
Cooking Methods
The Instant Pot is great for quick and easy soup making. Dutch ovens ensure even cooking on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Experimenting with different vegetables and beans allows for diverse and personalized recipes.
Freezing
Freezing soups in individual portions makes for easier thawing and meal prepping.
Utensils
Using wooden utensils protects pots and avoids chemicals.
Plant-Based Soup Recipes for Every Season
Gazpacho
A light chilled soup perfect for summer, packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs.
Split Pea Soup
A smoky vegan split pea soup made with creamy green split peas and liquid smoke.
Roasted Tomato Soup
Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.