Soup is one of the most comforting and nourishing meals you can make, and when it’s vegan, it’s packed with wholesome plant-based goodness. Whether you’re craving something creamy, brothy, spicy, or hearty, there’s a vegan soup recipe for every occasion.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of vegan soup recipes, covering everything from classic comfort foods to globally inspired flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these soups are sure to satisfy.
Why Choose Vegan Soups?
Vegan soups offer numerous benefits, including:
- Health benefits: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being free of cholesterol.
- Sustainability: Plant-based ingredients have a lower carbon footprint.
- Flavorful variety: Using spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients results in delicious, aromatic dishes.
Let’s dive into some amazing vegan soup recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.
1. Classic Vegan Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a staple in many cuisines and provides a protein-packed, hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the lentils, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 30–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Remove bay leaf, add lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
2. Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy, velvety soup is perfect for fall and winter, with a slight sweetness and warmth from spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until caramelized.
- In a pot, heat the remaining olive oil. Add onion, garlic, and carrots, sautéing for 5 minutes.
- Add roasted squash, cinnamon, nutmeg, vegetable broth, and maple syrup. Bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in coconut milk and heat for 2 more minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
3. Spicy Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha)
This Thai-inspired coconut soup is creamy, tangy, and packed with umami flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 can coconut milk
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
- 3 kaffir lime leaves (or zest of 1 lime)
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp red curry paste
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup tofu, cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- In a pot, heat coconut milk and vegetable broth. Add lemongrass, lime leaves, ginger, and garlic.
- Stir in soy sauce, coconut sugar, and red curry paste.
- Add mushrooms, tofu, and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove lemongrass and lime leaves.
- Add lime juice and cilantro before serving.
4. Hearty Vegan Minestrone
A classic Italian soup loaded with beans, pasta, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 cup small pasta
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, zucchini, basil, oregano, and thyme, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in tomatoes, beans, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- Stir in spinach and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
5. Vegan Mushroom and Barley Soup
A rich and earthy soup perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup barley
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
- Stir in barley, vegetable broth, thyme, and soy sauce.
- Simmer for 30 minutes until barley is tender.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley before serving.
6. Spiced Carrot and Ginger Soup
A vibrant, warming soup with a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 5 minutes.
- Add carrots, cumin, and turmeric, stirring well.
- Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend until smooth and stir in coconut milk.
- Add lime juice and serve.
More Recipes
These vegan soup recipes are perfect for any time of the year, offering comfort, nutrition, and bold flavors. Whether you’re craving a hearty lentil soup, a creamy butternut squash soup, or a spicy Thai coconut soup, there’s something here to satisfy your taste buds.
Give these recipes a try and enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of plant-based goodness! 🌱🍜
7. Chunky Vegan Potato Leek Soup
This classic soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 leeks, chopped (white and light green parts)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (oat, almond, or soy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté leeks and garlic until soft.
- Add potatoes, thyme, black pepper, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Blend half the soup for a creamy texture while keeping some chunks intact.
- Stir in plant-based milk and season with salt.
- Garnish with chives and serve warm.
8. Smoky Black Bean Soup
A protein-packed, smoky, and slightly spicy black bean soup that is incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, stirring well.
- Stir in black beans, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.
- Add lime juice, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with cilantro.
9. Creamy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup
A dairy-free take on the classic tomato soup, perfect for pairing with a slice of crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, then blend until smooth.
- Stir in coconut milk and fresh basil.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
10. Indian-Inspired Vegan Mulligatawny Soup
A fragrant, slightly spicy Indian-inspired soup with lentils and apples for a unique twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- ½ cup red lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and chopped apple.
- Add carrot, lentils, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend partially for a creamy texture, then stir in coconut milk and lemon juice.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish with cilantro.
11. Moroccan Chickpea Soup
This spiced chickpea soup is loaded with warming spices and nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric.
- Add chickpeas, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh parsley.
12. Sweet Corn and Coconut Soup
A creamy, slightly sweet, and mildly spiced corn soup with a tropical twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sweet corn
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Stir in curry powder and turmeric.
- Add corn, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend partially for a creamy consistency.
- Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
13. Spicy Vegan Kimchi Soup
A fiery and tangy Korean-inspired soup perfect for spice lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped kimchi
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pot. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 3 minutes.
- Stir in kimchi, gochujang, and soy sauce.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add tofu and cook for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve.
14. Velvety Pumpkin and Sage Soup
A creamy, slightly sweet soup with warm autumn flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 can pumpkin purée
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp ground sage
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in pumpkin purée, vegetable broth, sage, and nutmeg.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, then blend until smooth.
- Stir in coconut milk and maple syrup.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Conclusion
These vegan soup recipes are not only delicious and comforting but also packed with nutrients, protein, and fiber. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty lentil soup, a spicy Thai coconut soup, or a creamy butternut squash soup, there’s something for everyone.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Soups:
- Use fresh ingredients: The better the quality of your vegetables, the richer the flavor.
- Balance flavors: Use acidity (lemon juice, vinegar) to enhance the taste.
- Experiment with spices: Herbs and spices can transform a simple soup.
- Add texture: Keep some ingredients chunky while blending part of the soup.
Try these recipes and enjoy the wholesome, plant-based goodness of homemade soups! 🍜🌱