...

Creamy Vegan Potato Soup: Hearty & Wholesome

Close-up of a creamy bowl of hearty homemade vegan potato soup with carrots and fresh herbs.

Welcome to your new favorite comfort food! This creamy vegan potato soup delivers all the rich flavor and comforting warmth of a traditional potato soup, but without any dairy. It’s incredibly satisfying, packed with wholesome ingredients, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Get ready to enjoy a hearty bowl that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Potato Soup

You’ll adore this plant-based dish for so many reasons. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners and busy cooks alike.

  • This soup offers a wonderfully creamy and hearty texture that truly satisfies.
  • We use simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
  • It’s the ultimate comforting meal, perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy lunch.
  • This recipe suits various dietary needs as it’s naturally dairy-free and plant-based.
  • Enjoy a quick and easy preparation process, making dinner a breeze.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh, simple ingredients to create your delicious vegan potato soup:

  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or olive oil)
  • 2 medium onions, chopped finely
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped finely
  • 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 4 tablespoons all purpose flour (or gluten-free all purpose flour)
  • 2 cups (480 mls) non-dairy milk
  • 2½ – 3 cups (600 – 720 mls) flavorful vegetable broth/stock, divided
  • 6 medium (about 1kg/2.2lb) potatoes, cut into ½ inch cubes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes recommended)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional toppings: fresh chives, parsley, vegan bacon bits, crusty bread.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily customize this recipe to your preferences. Use olive oil or water instead of vegan butter for sautéing. Yukon Gold or red potatoes provide the best creamy texture, but russets work too. Opt for unsweetened soy milk or oat milk for the richest creaminess. For a gluten-free option, use GF all-purpose flour or cornstarch slurry for thickening. Skip the oil entirely by sautéing vegetables in a few tablespoons of water or broth.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy recipe. Gather these kitchen essentials:

  • A large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • A cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula
  • An immersion blender is optional for extra creaminess

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your perfect creamy vegan potato soup. This guide makes preparing a delicious, wholesome meal straightforward and enjoyable.

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Start by carefully chopping all your vegetables. Dice the onions, celery, and carrots finely and cube the potatoes into ½-inch pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the vegan butter or olive oil to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Warm it over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and just begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped garlic cloves. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Season & Thicken: Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and all-purpose flour into the pan. Stir continuously for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux that will thicken your soup.
  5. Whisk in Liquids: Gradually pour in the non-dairy milk, whisking constantly as you add it to prevent lumps. The mixture will begin to thicken.
  6. Add Broth & Potatoes: Now, pour in most of the vegetable broth (reserving about ½ cup for later adjustment). Add the cubed potatoes, optional ground nutmeg, and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
  7. Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for approximately 25-30 minutes. Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender and begin to break down slightly.
  8. Adjust Consistency: Check the soup’s thickness. If you prefer a thinner consistency for your delicious potato soup, gradually add some or all of the reserved ½ cup of vegetable broth until it reaches your desired texture.
  9. Season to Taste: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of other spices to enhance the flavors.
  10. Serve Hot: Ladle the hearty vegan potato soup into individual bowls. Garnish with your favorite optional toppings, like fresh herbs or vegan bacon bits, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect creamy potato soup is easy with these helpful tips. Keep these in mind for the best results every time.

  • Perfect Consistency: For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot. For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender for a few pulses directly in the pot, being careful not to over-blend.
  • Prevent Mushy Potatoes: Cut potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. Avoid overcooking them; they should be tender but not disintegrating. Check them periodically during simmering.
  • Enhance Flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens flavors. Fresh herbs like chives or dill elevate the taste profile significantly.
  • Bland or Too Thick: If your soup tastes bland, add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note. If too thick, simply stir in more warm vegetable broth.
  • Scorching Prevention: Stir the soup occasionally, especially during the simmering phase. This prevents ingredients from sticking to the bottom and scorching, ensuring a smooth, evenly cooked soup.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile soup is perfect for any occasion. These suggestions will help you make the most of your delicious creation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your luscious creamy potato soup piping hot.

  • Toppings: Garnish with fresh chives, parsley, dill, vegan bacon bits, a swirl of vegan sour cream, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
  • Sides: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a side of savory crackers for dipping.
  • Complete Meal: Pair it with a hearty sandwich or wrap for a more substantial dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage keeps your soup fresh and delicious.

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover vegan potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth or non-dairy milk if it has thickened too much.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your homemade potato soup!

  • Added Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, kale, corn, or peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  • Spice Profile: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth, a dash of cayenne for heat, or curry powder for an exotic twist.
  • Protein Boost: Stir in cooked lentils, white beans, or crumbled vegan sausage for extra protein and heartiness.
  • Smoky Flavor: A few drops of liquid smoke or a tablespoon of smoked paprika can add a delicious, smoky undertone to your potato soup.

Nutrition Information

This wholesome vegan potato soup offers fantastic nutritional benefits. It is naturally dairy-free and plant-based, making it suitable for many diets. Enjoy a good source of fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals.

Harvard’s Nutrition Source highlights that potatoes are a notable source of potassium, fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6. Learn more about the nutritional value of potatoes.

Nutrient Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories 280-320
Total Fat 8-12g
Saturated Fat 1-2g
Carbohydrates 45-55g
Fiber 6-8g
Protein 8-10g
Sodium 600-750mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about making this delightful plant-based soup.

  • Can I make this soup gluten-free? Yes, easily! Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour or a cornstarch slurry instead of wheat flour for thickening.
  • How can I make this soup oil-free? Omit the vegan butter or olive oil. Sauté the vegetables in a few tablespoons of water or vegetable broth until tender.
  • Can I freeze vegan potato soup? Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
  • What potatoes work best? Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal as they break down beautifully for a creamy texture without becoming mushy.
  • How to thicken or thin the soup? For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes or blend a portion with an immersion blender. To thin, gradually stir in more warm vegetable broth.

Conclusion

This creamy vegan potato soup is the epitome of comfort food, proving that dairy-free can be incredibly rich and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a perfect meal for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. We encourage you to try this wholesome recipe and discover your new favorite plant-based classic! Enjoy a bowl of pure goodness today.

Close-up of a creamy bowl of hearty homemade vegan potato soup with carrots and fresh herbs.

Creamy Vegan Potato Soup

This hearty, wholesome vegan potato soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor — all without dairy. It's perfect for chilly nights and incredibly easy to make with just one pot and simple ingredients.
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegan
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, chopped finely
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk (soy or oat preferred)
  • 2½–3 cups vegetable broth, divided
  • 6 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), cubed (about 2.2 lbs)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • fresh chives, parsley, or vegan bacon bits (optional, for topping)

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Immersion blender Optional, for creamier texture

Method
 

  1. Chop onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, and garlic. Cut potatoes into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
  2. In a large pot, heat vegan butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, and carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in salt, pepper, and flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
  4. Gradually whisk in non-dairy milk to avoid lumps. Stir until thickened slightly.
  5. Add most of the vegetable broth, cubed potatoes, optional nutmeg, and bay leaf. Stir well.
  6. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. Remove bay leaf. For a creamier soup, mash some potatoes or use an immersion blender for a few pulses.
  8. Adjust consistency with reserved broth. Season to taste with more salt or pepper.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with chives, parsley, or vegan bacon bits. Enjoy!

Notes

Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamy texture. Unsweetened oat or soy milk works best. For gluten-free, sub with GF flour or cornstarch slurry. Add leafy greens, beans, or smoky spices for variety.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating