Potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. For vegetarians, finding a rich and flavorful potato soup recipe that doesn’t rely on meat or heavy cream can sometimes be a challenge.
But fear not! This best potato soup recipe vegetarian version is everything you want on a chilly day: velvety, packed with wholesome ingredients, and bursting with layers of savory goodness.
Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup hits all the marks.
Made with simple pantry staples like potatoes, onions, vegetable broth, and a touch of dairy-free milk, this recipe is easy to prepare and customizable to your taste buds. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike who crave a warm bowl of deliciousness without the fuss.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step, share handy tips, and even suggest variations to keep your soup game exciting. Let’s dive in and make some magic in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian potato soup is a crowd-pleaser because it’s:
- Simple and quick: Ready in under 45 minutes using everyday ingredients.
- Comforting and creamy: Without relying on heavy cream or butter, it still delivers that rich texture.
- Nutritious and filling: Full of fiber, vitamins, and plant-based goodness.
- Flexible: Easy to customize with your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings.
- Vegetarian and can be vegan: With simple swaps like plant-based milk, it fits any diet.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat, or soy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
- Vegan sour cream or plain yogurt, for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add potatoes and spices: Toss in the diced potatoes, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the potatoes with the spices and oil.
- Pour in vegetable broth: Add the 4 cups of vegetable broth, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer batches to a blender and blend. For a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup and mix it back in.
- Stir in plant-based milk and nutritional yeast: Return the pot to low heat, stir in the plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for a subtle cheesy depth. Warm the soup gently for 5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with fresh chopped chives or parsley and a dollop of vegan sour cream or plain yogurt if you like.
Tips & Variations
“To get that perfect creamy texture without dairy, blending part of the soup and leaving some chunks adds wonderful body and mouthfeel.”
- Make it vegan: Use unsweetened plant milk and vegan sour cream to keep it fully plant-based.
- Add extra veggies: Carrots, celery, or leeks can be sautéed with onions for more flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Top it creatively: Crispy fried onions, roasted pumpkin seeds, or shredded vegan cheese make great toppings.
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe naturally is gluten-free, just double-check your broth ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 bowl) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Protein | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
Fat | 4.5 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 650 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This potato soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Try it alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or toasted garlic breadsticks for dipping.
If you want to explore more vegetarian-friendly recipes, check out the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a light and refreshing side, or warm up with the hearty Lil Smokies Chili Recipe for a spicy kick. And for a sweet finish, you can’t miss the Marzipan Challah Recipe which pairs perfectly with a cozy bowl of soup.
Conclusion
This vegetarian potato soup recipe is a must-have in your repertoire for those days when you crave a satisfying yet wholesome meal. It’s incredibly simple to make, packed with flavor, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand.
From the creamy texture to the subtle smoky notes of paprika and thyme, every spoonful feels like a warm hug.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this soup will quickly become a favorite comfort food. Plus, it’s a perfect gateway into plant-based cooking if you’re looking to eat more vegetarian meals without compromising on taste.
So grab your pot, get chopping, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade potato soup!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Potato Soup Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A creamy and comforting vegetarian potato soup perfect for any season. Easy to make with simple ingredients and rich flavors.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots; sauté until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks.
- Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 35 g
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