The Secret Ingredient: Easy Vegan Cheezy Enchilada Soup with a Cholula Kick

2周前

Inspired by: @iszy

Discover how one of the most beloved hot sauces can transform your weeknight meals into a vibrant, flavorful experience! This easy-to-make vegan enchilada soup gets a delightful boost from Cholula Hot Sauce, offering that perfect balance of spice and tang. Whether you're a seasoned hot sauce enthusiast or just curious to add a little kick to your plant-based cooking, this recipe is designed to be simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.

Are you searching for a quick, comforting meal that's both dairy-free and gluten-free? Look no further! This Cheezy Vegan Enchilada Soup provides all the rich, hearty flavors of traditional enchiladas in a convenient soup format, made even better with the signature taste of Cholula. It's an ideal choice for busy evenings, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave warm, zesty Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Why Cholula Hot Sauce? The Perfect Pairing for Your Plant-Based Plate

Cholula is celebrated for its distinctive flavor profile: a medium spice level complemented by a bright, vinegar-based tang. As @iszy notes, it's "just the right level of spice" and its vinegar base makes it "good to cook with." This versatile hot sauce is a fantastic addition to various dishes, from breakfast burritos to classic Mexican cuisine. Users on abillion love its balanced heat, confirming it has "a little burn, but there are much hotter sauces," allowing the "vinegar in it too which is nice" to shine through. Plus, that iconic wooden ball cap? It's just an added charm!

Cholula is also widely recognized as a vegan and gluten-free friendly option, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary sensitivities or preferences. It was indeed "perfect" in Cheezy Enchilada Soup, providing that authentic Mexican warmth without overpowering the other rich flavors.

Cholula Hot Sauce Bottle A bottle of Cholula Original Hot Sauce, ready to add a kick to any dish.

Easy Vegan Cheezy Enchilada Soup Recipe

This recipe is inspired by @iszy's rave review of Cholula Hot Sauce and its perfect pairing with vegan enchilada soup. It offers a hearty, flavor-packed meal that's surprisingly easy to whip up!

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
4 cups vegetable broth or vegetable stock
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 (10 oz) can vegan red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup vegan cheese shreds, plus more for garnish
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro and Cholula Hot Sauce for serving

Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Cheezy Vegan Enchilada Soup topped with Cholula Hot Sauce and fresh cilantro A vibrant bowl of Cheezy Vegan Enchilada Soup, perfectly garnished and ready to enjoy.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in vegan cheese shreds, nutritional yeast, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using). Continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately, topped generously with fresh cilantro and a hearty drizzle of Cholula Hot Sauce for that ultimate zing!

Variations and Adaptations

Make it Creamier: For an extra decadent soup, blend 1/2 cup of raw cashews (soaked for 30 minutes, then drained) with 1/2 cup of water until smooth, and stir into the soup along with the vegan cheese. You can also add a splash of plant-based milk.
Boost the Heat: If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the pot with the onions.
Add Protein: Cooked quinoa, crumbled firm tofu, or extra black beans can be added for more substance.
Topping Ideas: Get creative with your toppings! Think diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of vegan sour cream, or thinly sliced green onions.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bowl

Layer Flavors: Sautéing the aromatics (onion, garlic, bell pepper) thoroughly before adding liquids builds a strong flavor base for your soup.
Spice to Your Liking: While Cholula offers a moderate heat, remember that "you can still taste the vinegar in it too which is nice." Adjust the amount you add at the end based on your preference.
Meal Prep Friendly: This soup reheats beautifully! Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.

Ready to spice up your vegan soup game? Try this recipe and experience the delightful kick of Cholula Hot Sauce for yourself! Share your thoughts and photos with us on abillion!