Inspired by: @iszy
Craving a comforting, hearty meal that's both satisfying and simple to make? This Easy Skillet-Toasted Vegan Gnocchi Soup is your new go-to! Perfectly designed for busy weeknights, this dairy-free and egg-free soup delivers a rich, creamy texture and features uniquely pan-toasted gnocchi for an extra layer of deliciousness. Forget the hassle of boiling; these potato dumplings get a delightful crispy exterior right in your skillet, making this recipe stand out.
Whether you're looking for a warm embrace on a chilly evening or a quick plant-based dinner solution, this soup has you covered. It's a fantastic answer to "What's an easy vegan soup recipe?" or "How can I make gnocchi soup without dairy?". As abillion user @iszy shared, finding eggless gnocchi isn't too hard to find, making this a convenient choice for many! Reviewers have raved about similar creamy vegan soups on abillion, with comments like "Looks delicious!" and "Your soup & bread looks fantastic! 😊" proving this type of comfort food is a crowd-pleaser. Even better when paired with fresh focaccia, as one commenter's mom made!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup plant milk (such as unsweetened almond or oat milk)
- 16 oz package eggless gnocchi (pre-made, skillet-friendly type, often found at stores like Target)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or kale, stems removed and chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp himalayan salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid) and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering soup. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or according to package directions, until the gnocchi are tender. If using skillet-friendly gnocchi (like those @iszy recommended from Target), they'll develop a slight crispness without needing pre-boiling!
- Stir in the plant milk, baby spinach, himalayan salt, black pepper, and optional nutritional yeast. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations and Adaptations
- Make it Heartier: Add sliced carrots, celery, or mushrooms along with the onion for more vegetables. For added protein, stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas during step 4.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your gnocchi is certified gluten-free. Most grocery stores now carry excellent gluten-free gnocchi varieties.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic can add a delightful warmth.
- Herb Garden Fresh: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: For an even richer, cheesy flavor, increase the nutritional yeast or swirl in a dollop of vegan cream cheese at the end.
Tips & Hacks
- The Gnocchi Secret: The beauty of this recipe lies in the gnocchi! Choosing skillet-friendly or oven-ready gnocchi (like the ones mentioned by @iszy from Target) means no pre-boiling, saving you time and giving you that desirable crispy-outside texture. If you can only find traditional gnocchi, boil them separately according to package instructions until they float, then add them to the soup in the last step.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can be made ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi might soften slightly upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with warm, crusty bread or, as one abillion user happily reported, fresh focaccia on the side to soak up all the creamy goodness! This meal is so satisfying, as the original post comments show with "🤤" and "Nice! 😊👍".
Ready to nourish your body with more delicious plant-based meals?
Related Articles
- Want more creamy, comforting pasta dishes? Explore our Next-Level Creamy Vegan Orzo.
- Looking for another quick and cheesy vegan pasta option? Check out Quick & Creamy Vegan Cheesy Pasta.
- For another hearty soup idea, try our Hearty & Spicy Vegan Indian Vegetable Soup.
- Dive into more Italian-inspired plant-based cuisine with Easy Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta.
