High Protein Vegan Soup is a delicious and satisfying way to nourish your body with essential nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a meal prep option, these soups are packed with plant-based protein to keep you feeling full and energized.
Why You’ll Love These Soups
- Protein Powerhouse: Each serving is loaded with plant-based protein from beans, lentils, tofu, or tempeh.
- Flavorful and Aromatic: A symphony of spices and fresh herbs create depth and complexity in every spoonful.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples and seasonal vegetables.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite veggies, grains, or protein sources for a personalized touch.
Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon and Herbs
This vibrant soup is packed with protein from lentils and iron from spinach. The lemon and herbs add a refreshing brightness.
Yields: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and carrots, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add lentils, broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Stir in spinach, parsley, dill, and lemon juice. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Steaming bowl of lentil and spinach soup with lemon wedges
Chef’s Tip: For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend a portion of the soup until desired consistency is reached.
Creamy Coconut Curry with Chickpeas and Tofu
This fragrant curry is bursting with flavor and loaded with plant-based protein from chickpeas and tofu. The creamy coconut milk base is both comforting and satisfying.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
Instructions:
- Heat coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in ginger, garlic, curry powder, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in coconut milk and whisk to combine.
- Add chickpeas, tofu, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, or until flavors have melded.
- Stir in cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Coconut curry soup with chickpeas and tofu in a bowl with rice
Chef’s Tip: To press tofu, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place a heavy object on top (like a cast iron skillet) for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Black Bean Soup with Chipotle Peppers and Avocado
This smoky and flavorful soup gets its protein from black beans and a kick from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado, diced, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and red bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, and chipotle peppers. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add black beans and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and top with diced avocado, if desired.
Bowl of black bean soup with avocado and cilantro
Conclusion
High protein vegan soup is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a nutrient-rich meal. With endless variations and flavor combinations, you can easily find a recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs.
FAQ
1. Can I freeze these soups?
Yes, all of these soups can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
2. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using dried beans, be sure to soak them overnight before cooking according to package instructions.
3. What can I serve with these soups?
These soups are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a side salad, crusty bread, or cornbread.
4. Can I adjust the spice level?
Of course! Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
5. Can I make these soups in a slow cooker?
Yes, these soups can be easily adapted for a slow cooker. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.