Vegan Potato Soup Recipe (2024)

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Easy vegan potato soup recipe with carrots, healthy leeks, celery and green peas. It’s creamy, savory and good for you with a lovely Tuscan vibe from fresh rosemary. A simple stove top comforting veggie stew for all seasons.

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Vegan Potato Soup

This creamy vegetable soup features a delicious savory profile of gold potatoes and leeks balanced by the sweetness of the carrots and green peas. It’s technically a fusion between my vegan leek potato soup and a fresh interpretation of the green split pea soup. It’s thick, hearty and nutritious, creamy but also chunky like a stew, everything you can dream of on a chili fall or winter day. Bonus points for being dairy free, gluten free without any flour or thickeners. Simple clean ingredients packed with rich flavor and nutrients.

Besides the leeks, the depth of flavor and Tuscan vibe comes from a generous use of fresh woodsy rosemary. You definitely want to know it’s there but in a more tamed slow cooked version. That flavor that lingers on the palette just long enough to make one wonder what it is…

About the Potatoes

Beautifully golden potatoes with their thin tender skins and waxy flesh is what you want to be using here. Not only does the waxy texture help with the silkiness of the soup but also helps the chunky pieces stay firm and not turn into mush. Extra bonus points for cutting back on waste and prep work by not needing to be peeled. A good scrub and rinse will suffice. Red skinned potatoes could be used instead, however I find those quite bland but they do hold up nicely in a soup such as this one.

The Carrot

Resist the temptation of adding too many, one large one is plenty. Carrots are naturally sweet and so are the green peas, you really don’t want to overdo it with too much of either. Try and keep that perfect balance between sweet and savory, and remember to peel the carrot first for a lovely golden hue of the soup.

Recipe Tips + FAQ

  • Cashews – there’s only a symbolic amount being blended with a part of the soup to achieve the ultimate silky texture. They can be omitted but if you do have a small handful laying around please throw them in the blender. If your blender is not that powerful make sure to soak them in hot water while your soup is cooking. Alternatively you can finish the soup with a light pouring of pre-made cashew cream.
  • How to thicken vegan potato soup? – The old fashion potato soup required a roux to be made with flour and fat to thicken it, but really there is no need for the extra work and fat. We now have blenders, so simply puree anywhere from 1/4 to 1/3 of the soup mixture until creamy and mix it back in the pot. The best way to thicken and achieve a divine cream of potato soup texture in my opinion.
  • Can I use coconut cream? – Negative! Unless you insist of course, but please consider that your soup will taste different and this is just not the kind of soup where I want to alter the flavor in that direction. If you fancy coconut try this sweet potato soup instead.
  • Soup Color – If you prefer a golden color soup simply puree some of the carrot with the potatoes and broth. For a lighter hue try not to puree any carrot pieces, and for a darker olive green puree some of the peas with the potatoes and carrot.
  • Fresh Rosemary vs Dried – If you must use dried rosemary make sure it’s a fragrant batch. Use 1 teaspoon of dried in lieu of 1 sprig fresh rosemary. Taste, add more, you’ll need to experiment here.
  • Cheesier Flavor – you can up the nutritional yeast to 1/3 cup but really it isn’t necessary, this soup is perfect as is.
  • Add Ins – To boost up the volume and nutritional profile of the soup I added protein packed green peas. You could add in some chopped kale, steamed broccoli, green beans and even asparagus instead. Whichever route you go remember to do any pureeing of the soup before adding the greens unless you are after a darker green colored soup. It’s all esthetics!
  • Serving Suggestions – Fresh herbs, homemade bread, flatbread, chive pesto drizzle, red pepper flakes.

On Storage + Reheating

As most soups this one also keeps well in the fridge in lidded containers for up to a week. Since it is dairy free you can also freeze it for up to 4 months as it thaws out and reheats beautifully on the stove top or microwave oven. Add a splash of veggie stock to thin it out if need be.

Veggie Stew or Soup…?

The only difference between the two is the amount of liquid. For a thinner soup just add in a good splash of veggie stock and combine well until desired texture is achieved. Potato Soup or stew? You tell me, I say it’s just semantics with subtle shades of meaning. You do you and keep it delicious!

Vegan Soups

  • Potato Broccoli Soup
  • Vegan no Clam Chowder
  • Tomato Gazpacho
  • Cauliflower Soup
  • Cabbage Stew
  • Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
  • Spanish Vegetable Soup
  • Vegan White Bean Soup
  • Chickpea Stew
  • Best Lentil Soup.

how to make vegan potato soup

Vegan Potato Soup Recipe (8)

5 from 2 votes

Vegan Potato Soup

Easy vegan potato soup recipe with healthy leeks, carrots, celery and green peas. It’s creamy, savory and good for you with a lovely Tuscan vibe from fresh rosemary. A simple comforting veggie stew in any season.

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 leek diced (or 1 yellow onion)
  • 1 large carrot peeled + diced
  • 1 celery stak chopped
  • 1 lb gold potatoes diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 3 tsp onion powder
  • sea salt to taste (I used 1.5 tsp)
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 lb frozen green peas
  • 4-5 cups water
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews optional
  • Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
  • Lemon wedges or serving

Instructions

  • Place the frozen peas in a bowl of room temperature water to thaw out.

    1/2 lb frozen green peas

Prepare the Leeks

  • Cut the very dark green tops off of the leek and reserve for later. (You can definitely use them here just know it will affect the color of the soup and make it a darker but delicious). Slice the white and pale green part of the leek in half lengthwise then slice it up thinly. Transfer to a medium bowl and cover with cold water. Give it a good stir and allow to sit for a few minutes for any sand and dirt to sink to the bottom of the bowl. Using a slotted spoon or your hands, scoop up the clean leeks floating on the top and transfer to a lint free tea towel to drain any excess water. (Alternatively you can just add them directly to the soup pot and cook a little longer until all moisture has evaporated.)

    1 leek

Make the Soup

  • Preheat a heavy bottom soup pot over medium heat. Add a very light drizzle of olive oil (omit for WFPB diets) and transfer the clean leeks to the pot. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and give it a good stir. Sautee until wilted and the leeks start to get some color, about 10 minutes or so.

    1 leek

  • Stir in the diced carrot and celery and sautée a few more minutes until they begin to soften. Push the veggies to the side and drizzle a drop of oil in the center. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant. Give everything a good stir.

    1 large carrot, 1 celery stak, 4 cloves garlic

  • Meanwhile scrub and rinse the potatoes and dice them into small cubes. Rinse well in a bowl of cold water, drain and add to the soup pot.

    1 lb gold potatoes

  • Stir in the onion powder, paprika and rosemary. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Stir in the nutritional yeast and the salt. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes have softened but still a little al dente.

    2 sprigs rosemary, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast, 3 tsp onion powder, 4-5 cups water, sea salt to taste

  • Transfer about 1/3 of the soup to a blender together with the cashews. Process on the hot liquid setting until silky smooth. Stir back into the soup pot.

    1/4 cup raw cashews

  • Drain the peas and add them into the soup. Simmer a few minutes until heated through. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve garnished with fresh onion chives, red chili flakes. (If desired you could brighten it up with a squeeze of lemon or go more earthy with a pinch of smoked sea salt and maybe some crumbled tempeh bacon bits).

    1 pinch red pepper flakes, 1/2 lb frozen green peas, Fresh chives or parsley for garnish, Lemon wedges or serving

WFPB + Plantricious

  • For compliance make sure to omit any oil and replace with water or veggie stock.

    Vegan Potato Soup Recipe (9)

Notes

  • Fresh Rosemary vs Dried - If you must use dried rosemary make sure it’s a fragrant batch. Use 1 teaspoon of dried in lieu of 1 sprig fresh rosemary. Taste, add more, you’ll need to experiment here.
  • Soup Color - If you prefer a golden color soup simply puree some of the carrot with the potatoes and broth. For a lighter hue try not to puree any carrot pieces and only cook the white and pale green parts of the leek. For a darker olive green color use all the dark green tops of leeks and puree some of the peas with the potatoes and carrot as well.

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 878mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3628IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 3mg

Course: Soup

Cuisine: European

Keyword: Vegan Potato Soup, veggie stew

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 224kcal

Author: Florentina

Vegan Potato Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What thickens potato soup? ›

Combine cornstarch and a little bit of water—or the chicken stock from the soup—in a small bowl. With the soup simmering over medium-low heat, whisk in the slurry. The soup should start to thicken almost immediately.

What is a good substitute for potatoes in soup? ›

Turnips are an ideal potato replacement as they have a similar texture.

What is the secret ingredient in soup? ›

It may sound a bit strange and unusual for some, but vinegar is a common ingredient in some soup recipes, and there is a good reason for it. If you think about it, vinegar is really a flavor-enhancer (umami). That's why it is so often used in cooking, sauces, and salad dressings. The same is true with soups.

Which potatoes hold up best in soup? ›

ANSWER: Waxy potatoes or those called boiling potatoes stand up well in soups and stews.

Why isn't my potato soup creamy? ›

One trick to make your potato soup a little less grainy is to add some form of dairy –- cream, milk, or even cheese. Because dairy is generally creamy in texture, that characteristic will carry over into your soup. Crisis averted.

Can I use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken potato soup? ›

Cornstarch, or corn flour, can be used to thicken soup through its high starch content. Cornstarch is a great thickener for soup because only a little bit is needed to significantly thicken a soup, and it will not affect the flavor profile of the soup.

How do you make potato soup not taste bland? ›

You can also add some grated cheese. I would use a hard cheese like Parmigiano or Romano. Now just season to taste. With a simple soup like potato, I would stick to salt and pepper only.

Why is my potato soup bland? ›

Not Adding Acid. If a soup is tasting bland in the bowl, consider adding acid rather than salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of yogurt or sour cream can add brightness to the bowl.

Why aren't my potatoes getting soft in my potato soup? ›

It's best to use fresh, firm potatoes. Acidic Ingredients: If your soup contained highly acidic ingredients (e.g., tomatoes), it could have affected the texture of the potatoes. Acidic ingredients can slow down the softening process of potatoes.

What does adding vinegar to soup do? ›

As well as adding flavor, vinegar can preserve food, improve the appearance of a dish, and even fill in for missing ingredients. For example, if you've run out of fresh lemon or lime, you can always use ½ teaspoon of vinegar in place of a teaspoon of citrus juice for that flavorsome tang!

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

What can I add to my soup to give it more flavour? ›

You can extract a clean, strong broth from a combination of water and several pantry ingredients. It's all about layering powerful flavor-enhancers that you probably already have on hand—bacon, tomato paste, herbs, peppercorns, a Parmesan rind, and, of course, kosher salt.

What is a good thickener for potato soup? ›

Cornstarch is not the only thickening agent you can use. Other alternatives include flour, arrowroot powder, instant mashed potatoes, or even pureed vegetables like cauliflower or cooked oats. Each of these options will add thickness to your soup while imparting its own unique taste and texture.

Should I soak potatoes before putting them in soup? ›

Should I soak my potatoes before making soup? You don't have to soak them, but I do recommend doing so in cold water at least until you've finished cubing all the potatoes. This will keep them from turning brown and ugly.

How do you keep potatoes from getting mushy in soup? ›

Cut the potatoes into rissolettes and blanche them (i.e. cook them briefly, not to full doneness). Use the water you used in the soup and put the potatoes back in when you go to warm the soup again for serving. Since they're cut fairly small, they should be just about done without being mushy when you go to eat.

How do I make my soup thicker? ›

6 ways to thicken soup:
  1. Blend all or part of it. If you've made a broth with chunks of vegetable in it, such as minestrone soup, then pour the soup through a sieve. ...
  2. Add cream or yogurt. ...
  3. Add flour or cornflour. ...
  4. Use a butter and flour paste. ...
  5. Blend in bread. ...
  6. Add lentils or rice. ...
  7. 5 of the best soup recipes to try next:

How do you make potatoes thicker? ›

Add a Thickening Agent

This is the most common way to thicken mashed potatoes. You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry.

How to thicken stew with potatoes? ›

Stir the mashed potatoes into the stew, mixing it into the broth. Continue to add potatoes until the broth reaches your desired consistency.

How to make soup thicker without flour? ›

mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water. to create a slurry. Turn the heat to low, then add that to your broth. until it's slightly thickened.

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