Vegan Broth Soup Recipes for Easy and Flavorful Meals

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Vegan broth soups are the ultimate comfort food—warming, nourishing, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a light starter or a hearty base for your favorite stew, a good vegan broth can elevate any dish.

Unlike store-bought versions that may contain preservatives or animal products, homemade vegan broths are fresh, flavorful, and customizable to your taste preferences. They’re perfect for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle or anyone wanting to enjoy a wholesome, meat-free option.

The beauty lies in the simplicity: just a handful of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices simmered slowly to release their natural goodness.

In this post, I’ll share several easy and delicious vegan broth soup recipes that you can whip up in no time. These recipes not only pack vibrant flavors but also provide a nutritious foundation for countless meals.

Plus, I’ll offer handy tips and variations to make each broth uniquely yours. Ready to dive into the world of rich, savory vegan broths?

Let’s get cooking!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan broth soup recipes are designed to be both flavorful and flexible. You’ll love how they:

  • Enhance your dishes: Use them as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and even risottos.
  • Are nutrient-packed: Loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs, they provide essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Are easy to customize: Swap ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or your flavor preferences.
  • Freeze beautifully: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick, healthy meals anytime.
  • Support plant-based eating: Completely free from animal products, perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.

Ingredients

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
  • 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped (optional)
  • 1 small bunch fresh parsley
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 10 cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for umami boost)

Equipment

  • Large stockpot (at least 6-quart capacity)
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ladle for serving
  • Storage containers for broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash, peel, and roughly chop the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, mushrooms, and parsnip (if using).
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In your large stockpot, add a splash of water or a little oil (optional) and sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  3. Add the remaining vegetables: Toss in the carrots, celery, and parsnip, stirring to combine with the aromatics.
  4. Add herbs and spices: Place the parsley, bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme, and rosemary into the pot.
  5. Pour in the water: Add 10 cups of water to the pot and stir in the nutritional yeast if using.
  6. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  7. Simmer gently: Reduce heat to low and let the broth simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen.
  8. Season to taste: Add salt gradually during the last 15 minutes of simmering, tasting frequently to avoid over-salting.
  9. Strain the broth: Remove the pot from heat and use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out all solids, pressing gently to extract maximum flavor.
  10. Cool and store: Let the broth cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer, deeper flavor, roast your vegetables in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes before simmering. This caramelizes the natural sugars and adds complexity to your broth.”

  • Add seaweed: Incorporate a small piece of kombu or nori during simmering for an extra umami kick and added minerals.
  • Spice it up: Include a cinnamon stick or star anise for a warm, aromatic twist.
  • Use different herbs: Swap parsley for cilantro, basil, or dill depending on your final dish.
  • Vegetable scraps: Save peels, ends, and cores from your veggies in the freezer to build broth in a zero-waste way.
  • Simplify for quick broth: Use just onions, carrots, and celery with herbs if you’re short on time.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 1 cup (240ml)
Calories 30
Protein 1 g
Carbohydrates 7 g
Fiber 1.5 g
Fat 0.2 g
Sodium 150 mg (varies with added salt)
Vitamin A 1500 IU (30% DV)
Vitamin C 4 mg (7% DV)
Iron 0.6 mg (3% DV)

Serving Suggestions

This vegan broth is wonderfully versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

  • Simple sipping broth: Warm a cup and enjoy as a comforting beverage on chilly days.
  • Base for soups: Use it as the foundation for vegetable soups, noodle soups, or lentil stews.
  • Cooking grains: Cook rice, quinoa, or barley in the broth for extra flavor.
  • Enhance sauces and gravies: Replace water with broth to boost flavor complexity.
  • Simmer vegetables: Steam or poach veggies in the broth for added taste and nutrients.

For more inspiration, check out these fantastic recipes that complement your homemade vegan broth:

Delicious Vegan Broth Soup Recipes You’ll Love

Classic Herb Vegan Broth

This simple herb broth highlights fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary for a clean and aromatic flavor. Perfect for any soup or sauce.

  • Ingredients: 3 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion, 4 garlic cloves, 1 bunch parsley, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 1 tsp each dried thyme and rosemary, 10 cups water, salt to taste.
  • Instructions: Follow the main instructions above for a straightforward, fresh broth.

Mushroom & Seaweed Vegan Broth

Adding mushrooms and kombu seaweed boosts umami, creating a rich, savory broth ideal for Asian-inspired dishes.

  • Additional ingredients: 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms, 1 small piece kombu seaweed (about 4 inches).
  • Instructions: Sauté mushrooms with aromatics, add kombu with water. Remove kombu after simmering 1 hour before straining.

Spiced Vegan Broth with Warm Aromatics

For a unique twist, add cinnamon and star anise to your broth for a cozy, inviting flavor perfect for fall and winter recipes.

  • Additional ingredients: 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise pod.
  • Instructions: Add spices with herbs and simmer as usual. Strain before serving.

Roasted Vegetable Vegan Broth

Roasting vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness and adds depth to your broth.

  • Instructions: Roast chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes before adding to pot with herbs and water. Simmer and strain as directed.

Quick Weeknight Vegan Broth

When time is short, this quick broth uses fewer ingredients but still delivers delicious flavor.

  • Ingredients: 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 8 cups water, salt to taste.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in pot, bring to boil, simmer 45 minutes, strain, and enjoy.

Each of these broths can be tailored to your liking and used as a base for countless vegan soups and dishes. For more recipe ideas, explore our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or try our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to complement your broths beautifully.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan broth soup recipes is a rewarding way to bring rich, wholesome flavors to your kitchen. These broths are not only easy to prepare but also open the door to endless culinary creativity.

From classic herb blends to umami-packed mushroom seaweed versions, each recipe offers a unique taste experience that enhances your meals naturally. Plus, homemade broth is a great way to reduce waste and control what goes into your food, ensuring freshness and quality every time.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based cooking, having a batch of vegan broth ready to go can simplify your meal prep and deepen the flavors of your dishes. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make these broths your own.

And if you enjoyed these recipes, be sure to check out other delightful options like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for some sweet and savory inspiration.

Happy cooking and enjoy the nourishing comfort of your homemade vegan broths!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Broth Soup

Description: A light and flavorful vegan broth soup packed with vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a comforting starter or a light meal.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

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

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 16 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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