Saturday, October 18, 2025

Vegan (or Not) Creamy Veg Soup

 I've been making this soup on repeat lately. It's so simple yet so good. I often make it with a few basic ingredients, but sometimes add more. It's so versatile and can be made in many different ways, but here's my basic process. I don't measure and it's really not necessary. It's just whatever you like, really, in whatever amounts suit you.
To make this soup, I rinse some red lentils and leave them to soak for 15 minutes while I chop up (into fairly small pieces) an onion, a red bell pepper, some carrots, floury potatoes (we like roosters), and some garlic. A glug of olive oil in a saucepan and in go the veggies, except for the red lentils and spuds. I sweat the veg, stirring all the while, for just a few minutes. Then I add the spuds and lentils, stir everything together and add either water and a couple of bouillon cubes or stock/broth, if I have any. I add just enough liquid to cover the veg completely--I don't want a runny soup. Cook for 10 or 15 minutes or until the veg is tender. Stir in whatever herbs and/or spices you like. I use dill and oregano. Crushed chilli would be yummy, too. Then I use my stick blender to puree a little bit, leaving some veggies chunks. It's so good. I always make extra so we can have leftovers. It's so creamy without any cream. 
The color in the photo is quite pale--the actual soup is more orange from the carrots and red pepper. 

Broccoli is a nice addition to the veggie mix here--peeled stem and all. Cauliflower, too. If you like sweet potatoes or squash, that would probably work (I've never tried it). Corn is nice added after the pureeing. Fresh herbs sprinkled on top would be tasty--chives, parsley, fennel fronds. There are a gazillion ways to make creamy veg soup, whether vegan or not. This is my favorite way and I expect I'll continue to make it right the way through soup season.

Are you a soup fan? What's your favorite?

13 comments:

My name is Erika. said...

This looks great. Soup is one of the best meals. This past week I made a mixed bean and veggie soup. I like how the beans thicken up the broth, and I can use whatever veggies in the frig. Thanks for sharing this recipe. As it gets colder and more soup gets made, this looks like a super recipe. Enjoy the leftover soup and the rest of your weekend.

Shari Burke said...

Mixed bean and veggie soup sounds yummy! It must have been especially delicious with some of your garden veggies!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Your soup sounds delicious, Shari. Over the past few months Miriam has made a ham and potato soup several times and that is particularly tasty. At this time of year we prepare squash soups of various kinds. They are all good, hearty and healthy and we never tire of them. I note that Bill is going to be away for three weeks house-sitting. Will you be going with him?

Shari Burke said...

That soup does sound delicious, David, and perfect for a cold day!
Yes, we're going to be humble servants to our furry boss-friend once again, this time at his house. I'll be popping in from there.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Better take lots of balls with you!

Shari Burke said...

Funny story--the day his mom left, she ordered some balls online. We waited all day for the delivery, even though he was already well supplied with balls. The box never arrived. She contacted the seller and was given a refund. Life went on. About 6 weeks later, I went outside and was shocked to see a box by our back door. I checked the label and realized it was that parcel. So we do have balls to bring even though she'd already ordered more at the time the first box went missing. They squeak--at least for a while until he destroys the squeaker.

Lowcarb team member said...

Your soup looks good.
You can't beat a nice bowl of soup in the cooler months and a vegetable soup is a favourite here :)

All the best Jan

Shari Burke said...

Yes--veggie soup is yummy for sure! Happy new week, Jan!

Jeanie said...

THis looks good, Shari! My favorite to make is French onion because it's so easy. But I love most soup -- tomato (with grilled cheese, please!), pumpkin or squash, good split pea and ham. Well, all of them!

Shari Burke said...

Ooh, yes! Tomato soup and grilled cheese--one of my favs, Jeanie!

Christmas in Prague 2025: A Fairytale Winter Wonderland said...

This sounds so cozy and delicious! πŸ₯£πŸ’š I love how versatile your veggie mix is — the idea of adding corn after pureeing is genius for a little sweetness and texture. Totally agree, creamy soups like this make soup season something to look forward to! 🌿🍲

Sadia Jabeen said...

That sounds amazing! 😍 I love how you’ve made the soup so adaptable — adding broccoli, cauliflower, or even sweet potatoes gives it such depth. And those fresh herbs on top? Perfect finishing touch for a comforting bowl of goodness! 🌿πŸ₯¦πŸ 

Shari Burke said...

It's definitely one of our favorites!