Broth Soup Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Broth soups are the ultimate comfort food, especially when they’re packed with vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs. For vegetarians, a well-made broth soup offers a warm, nourishing bowl that’s both light and satisfying.

Whether you’re looking to detox, enjoy a light meal, or simply cozy up on a chilly evening, vegetarian broth soups are versatile and easy to customize. They bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables while delivering essential nutrients in every sip.

Plus, they’re perfect as a starter or a standalone dish.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some delightful vegetarian broth soup recipes that are simple to prepare but bursting with flavor. From classic vegetable broths to more adventurous blends with exotic spices, these recipes will inspire you to create wholesome, delicious meals.

If you love warming soups and want to keep things entirely plant-based, you’re in the right place!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian broth soups are a fantastic way to enjoy the natural flavors of fresh produce without heavy creams or fats. They are:

  • Light and refreshing, perfect for any season
  • Full of vitamins and minerals thanks to nutrient-dense vegetables and herbs
  • Simple to customize with whatever vegetables and spices you have at hand
  • Great for digestion, as broth is easy on the stomach
  • Perfect base for adding noodles, grains, or beans to create heartier meals

Plus, these recipes are easy to prepare in large batches, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze some for later.

Ingredients

  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or cremini recommended)
  • 1 small bunch fresh parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups water or vegetable stock
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (2-3 sprigs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for added richness)

Equipment

  • Large stockpot or soup pot
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Ladle for serving
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (to strain the broth)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Storage containers for leftovers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop all your vegetables as listed above. There’s no need for perfect shapes—rough chopping works great for broth.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In your large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their aroma.
  3. Add remaining vegetables: Toss in carrots, parsnip, mushrooms, and fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaf). Stir everything together for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add water and seasonings: Pour in the 6 cups of water or vegetable stock. Add the whole peppercorns and a pinch of salt. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
  5. Simmer the broth: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 45 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. You can simmer for up to 90 minutes if time allows.
  6. Strain the broth: Remove the pot from heat. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the broth into another large container. Press down gently on the vegetable solids to extract maximum flavor.
  7. Adjust seasoning: Taste the broth and add more salt or pepper if needed. If you like, you can return the strained broth to the pot and heat it up for serving.
  8. Serve or store: Ladle the broth into bowls and enjoy as-is or add cooked noodles, rice, or beans for a heartier meal. Let the leftover broth cool completely before storing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freezing for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer broth, roast your vegetables in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes before adding them to the pot. This caramelizes the veggies and adds depth.”

Here are some ideas to customize your broth soups:

  • Add ginger and lemongrass for an Asian-inspired twist.
  • Include dried mushrooms along with fresh for an umami boost.
  • Use miso paste stirred in at the end for a savory complexity.
  • Incorporate fresh turmeric root for an anti-inflammatory kick.
  • Try adding seaweed like kombu for a mineral-rich broth.
  • For a smoky flavor, add a small piece of smoked paprika or chipotle pepper.

Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables or herbs you have on hand. The beauty of broth soups is their flexibility!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 45
Total Fat 1.5g
Saturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 400mg (variable depending on added salt)
Total Carbohydrates 8g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 3g
Protein 1g

Serving Suggestions

This broth soup shines as a light and refreshing starter to any meal. Consider pairing it with:

  • Crusty whole-grain bread for dipping
  • A fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Cooked grains like quinoa or barley stirred into the broth for a heartier dish
  • Tofu cubes or white beans added for extra protein
  • Drizzle a little chili oil or sprinkle fresh herbs like dill or basil on top for added flavor

For a delightful meal idea that complements this broth, try our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe. It pairs beautifully with light soups!

Delicious Vegetarian Broth Soup Recipes to Try

Classic Vegetable Broth

This recipe follows the instructions above and uses a medley of fresh vegetables for a well-rounded broth. Perfect for everyday use as a base for other soups or sipping on its own.

Mushroom and Herb Broth

  • Substitute 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, portobello) for the carrot and parsnip.
  • Add 1 tablespoon dried porcini mushrooms soaked in hot water for extra umami.
  • Include fresh rosemary sprigs along with thyme and parsley.

Simmer for 60 minutes and strain. This broth is rich and earthy—excellent for risottos or noodle soups.

Spiced Ginger Turmeric Broth

  • Add 2-inch pieces of fresh ginger and turmeric, sliced thin.
  • Add 4 whole cloves and 1 cinnamon stick for warmth.
  • Use vegetable stock for deeper flavor.
  • Simmer for 45-60 minutes.

This broth has a bright, spicy kick—ideal for detox days or when you want something soothing yet invigorating.

Miso Vegetable Broth

  • Prepare the classic vegetable broth.
  • Once strained, reheat gently and whisk in 2 tablespoons of white miso paste.
  • Do not boil after adding miso to preserve probiotics.

This broth is savory and comforting, great for quick miso soup or a base for noodle dishes.

Seaweed and Tofu Broth

  • Add 1 piece of dried kombu seaweed to the pot during simmering.
  • After straining, add cubes of soft tofu and chopped scallions.
  • Season with soy sauce or tamari.

Light and mineral-rich, this broth is perfect for Japanese-inspired meals or cleansing diets.

For more wholesome soup inspirations, check out our Lectin Free Soup Recipes and Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes that cater to specialized diets.

Conclusion

Vegetarian broth soups are a wonderful way to embrace clean, nourishing eating without sacrificing flavor. With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, you can create a broth that is both comforting and versatile.

Whether you enjoy it as a clear soup, a base for more complex dishes, or a soothing warm drink, these recipes are easy to adapt to your tastes and seasonal produce.

Experiment with herbs, spices, and vegetable combinations to suit your preferences. And don’t forget, homemade broth is a fantastic way to reduce waste by using vegetable scraps and ends!

Make a big batch, freeze portions, and enjoy the benefits of homemade broth any time.

For other delicious dishes to complement your broth soups, try our Honey Raisin Challah Recipe or explore hearty options like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for when you’re ready to branch out from vegetarian meals.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Broth Soup

Description: A light and flavorful vegetarian broth soup made with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or a light meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
  3. Add carrots, celery, and potato; cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Add green beans, thyme, and parsley; simmer for 30 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Stir in kale or spinach; cook for 5 more minutes.
  8. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 16 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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