Indian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of rich flavors, aromatic spices, and wholesome ingredients, and what better way to enjoy these elements than with a comforting bowl of Indian vegetable soup? This recipe is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and traditional Indian spices that warm you from the inside out.
Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a nutritious appetizer, this soup is easy to prepare and packed with health benefits. It’s ideal for chilly evenings or when you want a quick, nourishing dish that satisfies your cravings.
Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a versatile option for many dietary preferences.
This Indian vegetable soup beautifully balances the earthy taste of fresh vegetables with the zing of cumin, turmeric, and coriander, creating a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in your daily veggies while enjoying the comforting essence of Indian cooking traditions.
Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious and healthy soup right in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Indian vegetable soup is a delightful fusion of wholesome ingredients and classic Indian spices. It’s nutrient-dense, low in calories, and easy to digest.
The best part? You can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great recipe for reducing food waste.
The soup is also light yet filling, perfect for lunch or dinner, and works wonderfully as a starter or a main course. The warming spices like cumin and turmeric do more than just add flavor—they have anti-inflammatory properties that support your overall health.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and quick to make. It’s a fantastic introduction to Indian cooking and pairs well with many dishes, from fluffy basmati rice to warm flatbreads.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or ghee for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ladle for serving
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for a smoother texture)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the soup’s base flavor.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots, green beans, potatoes, cauliflower, and peas. Stir well to combine all the vegetables with the spices.
- Sprinkle turmeric, coriander powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the soup partially or fully using an immersion blender or regular blender. Otherwise, leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
- Adjust the salt and spices as needed. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice for a fresh, tangy finish.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips & Variations
“Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what’s in season or your preferences. Pumpkin, spinach, or zucchini make excellent additions!”
For a heartier version, you can add cooked lentils or chickpeas. This will increase the protein content and make the soup more filling.
If you like your soup spicier, increase the green chili or add a pinch of red chili powder. For a milder taste, omit the chili altogether.
To enhance the aroma, consider adding a pinch of garam masala or mustard seeds during the tempering stage.
For a vegan and gluten-free meal, stick to vegetable broth or water. If you want a richer taste, homemade broth works wonders.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg (variable with broth) |
| Vitamin A | 70% DV |
| Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This Indian vegetable soup pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside slow cooker vegetarian recipes for an easy meal combo.
It also complements warm no-dairy vegetarian dishes wonderfully.
For a light meal, enjoy the soup with a side of whole-wheat naan or crusty bread. If you want to add some texture, sprinkle roasted nuts or seeds on top.
Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed rice for a more substantial dinner. If you’re interested in exploring more Indian-inspired vegetable dishes, check out burger veg recipes of India for delicious ideas.
Conclusion
Indian vegetable soup is a wonderful way to bring the warmth and complexity of Indian flavors into a simple, nourishing dish. Its vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables make it both appealing and healthy.
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
Whether you’re seeking comfort food on a chilly day or a light meal packed with nutrients, this soup delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s an excellent introduction to the use of Indian spices in everyday cooking.
Give it a try, and you might find it becoming a staple in your kitchen rotation!
📖 Recipe Card: Indian Vegetable Soup
Description: A warm and comforting soup packed with mixed vegetables and traditional Indian spices. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot and add cumin seeds until they sizzle.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until golden.
- Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Add carrots, green beans, peas, turmeric, and garam masala; mix well.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 3 g | Carbs: 20 g
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