Au Bon Pain Vegan Vegetable Soup Recipe Made Easy

When the chill of autumn or winter sets in, nothing beats the comforting warmth of a hearty vegetable soup. The Au Bon Pain Vegan Vegetable Soup is a delicious, nourishing option that brings the wholesome flavors of fresh, garden-picked vegetables together in a savory broth.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and healthy. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity: fresh veggies, herbs, and a rich vegetable stock combine to make a meal that’s both filling and packed with nutrients.

This soup is perfect for meal prepping, quick weeknight dinners, or even as a starter for a cozy dinner party. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand.

Pair it with a warm crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal. Dive into this flavorful bowl of goodness and experience why it’s a beloved classic at Au Bon Pain, now made vegan-friendly just for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan vegetable soup offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make every spoonful comforting and satisfying. It’s loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables, which means it’s naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

The broth is light yet deeply flavorful, thanks to a combination of herbs and vegetable stock that enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies.

Not only is this soup a feast for your taste buds, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or add spices to suit your palate.

It’s a great option for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals without sacrificing taste or ease of preparation. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Whether you’re a vegan veteran or simply love a good vegetable soup, this recipe is a staple you’ll return to again and again!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup yellow corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Ladle
• Optional: Immersion blender (for a creamier texture)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil: Place your large soup pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it as garlic cooks quickly and can become bitter.
3. Cook the base vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add remaining vegetables: Toss in the diced zucchini, green beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all the veggies thoroughly with the aromatics.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth: Carefully add the 6 cups of vegetable broth. Stir in the dried thyme, basil, oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
6. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
7. Add spinach and parsley: Stir in the fresh spinach and parsley just before serving. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly.
8. Finish with lemon juice: Remove from heat and stir in the juice of one lemon to brighten the flavors and add a subtle tang.
9. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
10. Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy immediately, or let cool and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier soup, try blending half of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the spinach.

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or peas all make wonderful additions.

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.

For extra protein, toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas towards the end of cooking. This makes the soup more filling and perfect for a complete meal.

To make this soup even more flavorful, use homemade vegetable stock if you have it on hand. For a smoky twist, add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked sea salt.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a warm, crusty bread or a chewy roll. For a delicious homemade option, try pairing it with the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe or the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a spicy kick.

If you want to keep things light, serve the soup alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, add a side of protein-rich grains like quinoa or chickpea salad.

For dessert after your warm bowl of soup, you could try a delightful treat like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe, which offers a sweet and cozy finish to your meal.

Conclusion

The Au Bon Pain Vegan Vegetable Soup is a timeless classic reinvented for plant-based eaters who crave warmth, nutrition, and simplicity. It’s a versatile recipe that highlights the natural goodness of fresh vegetables, balanced perfectly with herbs and a tangy lemon finish.

This soup is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping or quick dinners.

With endless possibilities for customization, the recipe invites you to get creative and make it your own. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or as a light lunch, this vegan vegetable soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Don’t forget to explore more wholesome recipes on our site to keep your kitchen adventures exciting and delicious!

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