Inspired by: @sunshineyum
There's something uniquely comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially one that carries the rich, aromatic flavors of home. This incredible vegan Indian vegetable soup, originally shared by sunshineyum on abillion, is exactly that. It’s a truly special dish that brings back cherished memories of cozy winter evenings and hearty, homemade goodness.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, healthy, and easy-to-prepare meal. Whether you're a seasoned vegan cook, new to plant-based eating, or simply trying to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this soup is a delicious answer. It’s naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and can easily be kept gluten-free by omitting optional additions like pasta. This soup proves that eating your vegetables can be an absolute delight!
What makes this soup stand out? It's the harmonious blend of traditional Indian spices – cumin, turmeric, and chili – that transforms simple vegetables into a heavenly, fragrant broth. It’s not just for cold "soup season" either; this versatile dish makes a fantastic, nutritious meal year-round. Get ready to nourish your body and soul with every spoonful!
A steaming bowl of vibrant Indian-style vegetable soup, garnished with fresh cilantro and served with crusty toasted bread.
Essential Ingredients
Gathering your fresh produce and aromatic spices is the first step to creating this delightful soup. You’ll find many of these ingredients are readily available and can be sourced sustainably through platforms like abillion, which features reviews on a wide range of vegan products.
- 1 large stalk celery, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1-2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 large carrots, cubed
- 1 punnet green beans, cut to desired size
- 2 small turnips, cubed
- ½ cup sweetcorn (dehusked)
- 1 cup butter or other beans, pre-soaked
- ¼ cup peas
- Any other vegetables desired (e.g., zucchini, spinach, mushrooms)
- 1 tomato, grated without skin, or 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp fresh garlic, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely diced
- ½ tsp whole peppercorns
- A few whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole cumin (jeera)
- 1 tsp turmeric (haldi)
- 2 tbsp powdered red chilli (or as desired for heat)
- ¼ cup cilantro / coriander (dhania) leaves, for garnish
- 1 star anise (optional)
- Generous sprinkling of dry or fresh mixed herbs of choice
- Vegan vegetable stock or chick'n stock
- Boiling water to fill a large pot
Equipment Needed
- Large cooking pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Grater (if using fresh tomato)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving bowls
A colorful array of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, ready to be transformed into a comforting soup.
Simple Steps to Your Comforting Soup
This Indian-style vegetable soup is straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan.
- Dice celery, carrots, onions, and star anise (if using).
- In a large pot, fry the diced celery, carrots, onions, and star anise until the onions become transparent or a pale golden brown.
- Add the finely diced ginger and garlic, whole peppercorns, whole cloves, and whole cumin. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Stir in salt, turmeric, and powdered red chillies.
- Add the remaining fresh vegetables (potatoes, green beans, turnips, sweetcorn, peas, and any other desired vegetables).
- Add the grated tomato or tomato paste, then pour in the vegan vegetable stock and enough boiling water to fill the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil and cook until the potatoes and turnips are tender.
- Lower the heat, then add the pre-soaked butter or other beans.
- (Optional) If desired, you can add soy protein strips, mince, or pasta shells at this stage.
- Simmer the soup until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Ladle into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro (dhania) leaves.
- Serve hot with toasted bread of choice. Enjoy your wholesome, homemade meal!
The finished hearty soup, presented beautifully with a side of toasted bread.
Variations and Adaptations
- Make it Creamier: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in ¼ cup of coconut cream or unsweetened coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Boost the Protein: Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled firm tofu along with the beans for an extra protein punch.
- Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of powdered red chili to suit your preferred heat level. For extra warmth, add a pinch of garam masala at the end. For less heat, reduce the chili and rely more on the whole spices for flavor.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Spinach, kale, bell peppers, or even pumpkin can be great additions.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. If adding pasta, ensure you use a gluten-free pasta variety.
Tips for the Best Soup
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables in advance to make cooking day even easier.
- Toast Your Spices: Frying the whole spices briefly before adding other ingredients helps to release their full aroma and flavor, building a deeper base for your soup.
- Flavor Layering: Don't rush the initial frying of the aromatics (celery, carrots, onions, ginger, garlic). This step is crucial for developing the foundational flavors of the soup.
- Batch Cooking: This soup is fantastic for meal prepping! Make a large batch and store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Related Articles
- Craving another comforting bowl? Explore "A vegan pumpkin soup recipe for cold days" and warm up your soul.
- For more Indian-inspired plant-based dishes, try "Try this vegan butter chicken recipe that’s creamy and delicious" for a hearty main.
- Discover "Detox Mung Soup" for a light yet nourishing meal option.
- Looking for more quick and easy meals? Check out "Quick and easy vegan miso noodle soup recipe".
Ready to cozy up with a bowl of deliciousness? Give this Hearty & Spicy Vegan Indian Vegetable Soup a try and let us know what you think! Share your photos and comments on abillion – we love seeing your creations!
