There’s something incredibly soothing about a bowl of warm, fresh basil soup. This vegetarian basil soup recipe is a perfect celebration of the herb’s vibrant, aromatic qualities, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful delight.
Whether you’re seeking a light lunch or a comforting starter, this soup offers a fresh twist on classic vegetable soups. Its bright green color and fragrant basil notes make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Using fresh basil leaves, wholesome vegetables, and a touch of cream (or plant-based alternative), this soup is easy to prepare and wonderfully nourishing. It’s also incredibly versatile — perfect for vegetarians and those simply wanting a wholesome meal.
If you love fresh herbs and simple, clean flavors, this basil soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian basil soup is:
- Fresh and flavorful: The basil shines as the star ingredient, delivering a burst of herbal aroma and taste.
- Simple to make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Healthy and nourishing: Packed with vegetables and herbs, it’s light yet filling.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to vegan diets or enriched with your favorite toppings.
- Beautifully vibrant: Its vivid green hue will brighten any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (for creaminess)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional, for extra green goodness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for vegan option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon (to brighten flavors)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Soup bowls for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place your soup pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add potatoes and broth: Toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add greens: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and spinach (if using). Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Finish with cream and seasoning: Stir in the cream or coconut cream. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Return to low heat if needed to warm through, but avoid boiling after adding cream.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra depth of flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the soup.”
- Make it vegan: Use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
- Add texture: Toasted pine nuts or croutons add a delightful crunch on top.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil gives a subtle kick.
- Herbal boost: Mix in other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a unique flavor twist.
- Serve chilled: This soup also tastes fantastic served cold during warm weather as a refreshing gazpacho-style dish.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 400 mg |
Vitamin A | 25% DV |
Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Calcium | 6% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This basil soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. For a cozy meal, try serving it alongside a warm, homemade bread like the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe or the savory Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe.
You can also complement the meal with a sweet finish by enjoying a dessert like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to balance the fresh herbal flavors.
Conclusion
This vegetarian basil soup is a wonderful way to showcase fresh herbs and simple ingredients in a delicious, comforting dish. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavor make it a perfect option for both casual lunches and elegant dinners.
The recipe’s versatility allows you to adapt it to your dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this basil soup offers an inviting combination of freshness and warmth. Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins or garnishes to make it your own.
Enjoy the process and the delightful results — a bowlful of this soup is truly a celebration of nature’s bounty and your kitchen creativity.
📖 Recipe Card: Basil Soup Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A fresh and flavorful vegetarian basil soup perfect for any season. Made with simple ingredients, it's light yet comforting.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add fresh basil leaves and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in coconut milk, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Heat through without boiling, then serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 18 g
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