One can’t find a simpler yet more wholesome meal than soup. Add some noodles or other accompaniments to it and it becomes a delicacy. Not only do they open up new paradises in your gastronomique universe, they are an excellent way to shed those extra kilos without having to deny bliss to your taste buds. Making your own soup and not simply opening up a can is a different kind of experience altogether. It is more satisfying and rewarding. So take control over your kitchen and food budget by learning the art of making delicious vegetarian soups.
So here goes the list of top 10 most mouthwatering vegetarian/ vegan soup recipes.
10. Basic Vegetarian Miso Soup
Everybody loves a nice steaming bowl of Miso soup! Miso soup is light, easy and quick to make, which is a staple is of Japanese cuisine. It is not difficult to prepare and serves as a perfect breakfast option. All you need to do is bring water to slow simmer for 5 minutes and add 1 tbsp of wakame seaweed. Reduce the heat and add 1/3rd cup of miso, 3 green chopped onions, ½ block firm silken tofu, a dash of soy sauce and ½ tbs of sesame oil. Keep stirring till the miso dissolves and you are ready with 4 servings! It will hardly take you 15 minutes to enjoy this delicacy.
9. Cabbage and Cilantro Soup
Rich with Indian flavors, the Cabbage and Cilantro soup is one of the most famous vegetarian soups across the world. The spice and aroma will leave you salivating. On top of that, it is a fat-free vegan and vegetarian soup, which will help you to shed the extra calories. The hot sauce and fresh veggies gives a tang to the soup. Start off with combining 2 chopped onions, 2 minced cloves, 2 cups of vegetable broth, in a saucepan. Simmer it for 20 minutes and transfer it to a blender, to make it smooth. Reheat and add freshly chopped cilantro and a dash of hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste. And you are good to go!
8. Creamy Carrot Coconut Soup
With only carrots, coconut milk and spices as the main ingredients, this recipe is vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. This recipe is a keeper. Coconuts are used deliberately in place of dairy to add a tropical flavor to it. To prepare it, take 2-3 large chopped carrots,1 small chopped onion, 1 tsp minced ginger, 1 ¾ tbsp vegetable oil and 1 ½ tbs curry powder in a saucepan and simmer it for 20-25 minutes. After the carrots become soft, allow it to cool and make a puree using a blender. Then reheat it and add coconut milk. Add salt to taste and serve as a meal or an appetizer. Once you taste it, you won’t be able to leave it unfinished!
7. Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Contrary to the popular belief that lentils are bland, this vegetable lentil soup will give a powerful kick of flavor to your taste buds. This soup has a different kind of a homely comfort to it. Even people who are not vegetarians love it! Lentils are high on proteins and fiber. This soup is vegetarian, vegan, low- calorie and low-fat. To start off, sauté 1 diced onion and 1 sliced carrot in 1 tsp vegetable oil, for 3-4 minutes. Next, add 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of dry lentils, 1/4th tsp dried thyme, 1/4th tsp pepper, 2 bay leaves and a pinch of salt. Simmer it for 45 minutes and cover with a lid till the lentils are soft. Then, remove the bay leaves, add 1 tbsp lemon juice and enjoy this delightful traditional dish!
6. Vegetarian Bean and Barley Soup
This is one of the oldest and most renowned soups of all times. The vegetarian bean and barley soup is equally healthy and lip-smacking. It is a full meal in itself and you can add any amount of veggies you like. To make it, take a large pot, sauté 2 ribs of diced celery, ½ diced onion, 2 diced carrots and any other vegetable for 3-5 minutes. Add 8 cups of vegetable broth, 2 tbsp oil, 1/3 cup of tomato paste, ¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 cup of white beans, 1 cup of barley, ½ tsp basil, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp thyme and 2 large bay leaves. Allow it to a simmer for an hour. Add spices and season.
5. Creamy potato, leek and roasted poblano pepper soup
This is a simple and classic recipe which is a healthy breakfast alternative. First of all, roast 2 poblano peppers till they blacken. After that, let them sweat in a towel for 10 minutes. Slit the peppers, peel the skin and roughly chop them. Now, oil a pot, heat 2 tbps olive oil and add 1 sliced leek. Add 8-10 chopped red potatoes, roasted peppers, 4 cups of vegetable stock, fresh thyme and a dash of salt. Let it simmer for 20 minutes till the potatoes become soft. Now, using a hand blender, puree the soup till it becomes creamy. Pour in 4 pretty bowls and garnish with thyme and olive oil and enjoy this scrumptious soup.
4. Corn and Cheese soup
Corn and cheese is the best combination ever. This is super succulent, which will only take you around 15 minutes to prepare. If you want to make it vegan, ditch the cheese. So, heat 2 tbsp oil in a saucepan for a minute and add ½ cup of green and red bell peppers. Stir for 4 minutes. Add ¼ cup minced shallots, followed by 2 tsp curry powder and salt. Pour 3 cups of corn, 1 cup of vegetable stock, pepper and bring to a boil till the vegetables are soft. Transfer 2 cups of corn mixture to blender and add 1 cup of soymilk till it becomes smooth. Pour the pureed mixture in a saucepan and stir in the remaining soymilk for about 5 minutes. Finally, sprinkle each serving with 2 tbsp of cheddar cheese.
3. Vegetarian Black Bean Soup
Being one of the most quick, healthy, low fat vegetarian recipe, make sure to try it at least once. Make it vegan by omitting the cheese and sour cream. Mash black beans (215 ounce cans) until they are silky smooth. Pour it into a saucepan, with some vegetable broth, ½ cup of salsa and 1 tbsp chili powder. Bring to a boil. If preferred, add shredded cheese, sour cream, onion and cilantro as toppings.
2. Pumpkin Soup
This pumpkin soup has a beautiful silky texture which will make your taste buds do a quick dance. To prepare it, pour 2 tbsp of olive oil in a saucepan and add 2 chopped onions for 5 minutes. Add 1 kg of peeled, chopped pumpkin to the pan and cook for 10 minutes till it turns golden. Pour 700 ml of vegetable stock with pepper and salt. Puree it after adding 142 ml of double cream. For a fine velvety consistency, push it through a sieve. Bon appetite!
1. Vegetarian Minestrone Soup
This soup can be a brilliant entrée or a side dish. It is oil free, low on fat and high on fiber. It has a lot of flavor, which appeals to everyone. Take a large pot and add 4 cups of vegetable broth, 4 cups of diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp chopped basil, 2 chopped carrots, 2 stalks of chopped celery, ½ onion, 3 chopped zucchini, 1 cup of green beans, 3 minced clove garlics, 1 bay leaf and salt, oregano and pepper to taste. Simmer for at least an hour, till the vegetables become tender. Add 1 ½ cups of macaroni pasta and cook for another 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and serve with a crusty French bread!
Do try out some of these at home and discover your unexplored cooking skills!