Vegan Rice Soup Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 3, 2025

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes warm the soul like a hearty bowl of soup. Vegan rice soup takes this comfort to a whole new level — it’s nourishing, easy to digest, and wonderfully versatile.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a light yet satisfying meal, this vegan rice soup recipe will become your go-to. Made with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, it’s a simple way to enjoy a plant-based meal without compromising on taste or nutrition.

This recipe is perfect for all seasons. In colder months, its warmth is soothing, while in warmer seasons, its lightness keeps you refreshed.

Plus, rice is a fantastic base that absorbs the flavors of broth and vegetables beautifully. If you’re exploring more vegan meals, be sure to check out our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for more vibrant ideas.

Let’s dive into creating this delicious vegan rice soup that’s sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan rice soup is incredibly comforting and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, yet the final dish is rich in flavor and texture.

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s also highly customizable — you can swap in your favorite seasonal veggies or add protein-rich ingredients like tofu or beans for an extra boost.

If you enjoy slow cooker meals, don’t miss our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more convenient vegan dishes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color and health benefits)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving
  • Optional: blender or immersion blender (if you prefer a creamy texture)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  4. Stir in the rice and toast it lightly for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add thyme, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
  7. Add the chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt.
  8. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  9. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier soup, blend half of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender, then mix it back in.

You can easily make this soup your own by swapping in different vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms. For added protein, toss in cubed tofu or cooked chickpeas near the end of cooking.

If you want to add a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce just before serving.

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 180
Protein 4g
Carbohydrates 35g
Fiber 3g
Fat 3g
Sodium 450mg
Vitamin A 40% DV
Vitamin C 25% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegan rice soup pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread or warm garlic toast. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette.

For a heartier option, try serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a protein-rich vegan dish such as our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or check out Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to add a creamy pasta on the side.

More Vegan Rice Soup Recipes to Try

Miso Vegan Rice Soup

Add a Japanese twist by incorporating miso paste and shiitake mushrooms into your rice soup. Use vegetable broth and finish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

This umami-rich soup is perfect for chilly evenings.

Coconut Curry Vegan Rice Soup

This variation introduces creamy coconut milk and curry powder for a warming, exotic flavor. Include diced sweet potatoes and bell peppers for a colorful, nutrient-packed bowl.

Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.

Mexican-Inspired Vegan Rice Soup

Spice things up with cumin, smoked paprika, and diced tomatoes. Add black beans and corn for texture and protein.

Top with avocado slices and fresh cilantro. Serve with warm corn tortillas for a satisfying meal.

Vegan Lemon Herb Rice Soup

This lighter version highlights fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme, balanced with plenty of lemon juice. Perfect for a refreshing yet cozy meal.

Add chopped zucchini or green beans for more veggies.

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Rice Soup

For a seasonal treat, blend cooked pumpkin or butternut squash into the rice soup base. Season with nutmeg and cinnamon for warmth.

This creamy, velvety soup is a fantastic way to enjoy fall flavors.

Each of these recipes builds on the basic vegan rice soup foundation, offering exciting flavor profiles to explore. For more flavorful and healthy options, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

Vegan rice soup is a wonderful dish that combines simplicity, nutrition, and comfort in one bowl. It’s incredibly adaptable, letting you tailor it to your dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with the variations provided, this soup will nourish both your body and soul.

From busy weeknights to cozy weekends, this recipe fits any occasion and skill level. Don’t forget to pair your soup with complementary vegan dishes to create a balanced meal, and explore our other recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a delightful dessert.

Enjoy cooking, savor every spoonful, and keep experimenting with plant-based meals that bring joy and health to your table!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Rice Soup

Description: A comforting and nutritious vegan rice soup packed with vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a light meal or soothing comfort food.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped kale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add rice and stir for 1 minute to coat with oil.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Add chopped kale and soy sauce, cook for another 5 minutes.
  7. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 32 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Rice Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A comforting and nutritious vegan rice soup packed with vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a light meal or soothing comfort food.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup white rice”, “6 cups vegetable broth”, “1 medium carrot, diced”, “1 celery stalk, diced”, “1 small onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup chopped kale”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)”, “Fresh parsley for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add rice and stir for 1 minute to coat with oil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped kale and soy sauce, cook for another 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning as needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “4 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “32 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X