There is something incredibly comforting about a bowl of homemade soup that wraps you up in warmth and nourishment, and this Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe does exactly that with every spoonful. Packed with vibrant cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and sweet corn, and infused with aromatic dried herbs and spices, this soup offers a rich, velvety texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a hearty serving of vegetables, whether you need a cozy lunch, a light dinner, or a starter that impresses. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, bringing together humble ingredients in a way that feels anything but basic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in crafting this Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from building flavor depth to ensuring a smooth, luscious texture and a beautiful color that invites you in.
- Chopped yellow onion (1 cup): Provides a sweet, savory base that enhances every other vegetable’s flavor.
- Cauliflower florets (4 cups): Essential for creating that creamy texture without any added cream.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds a fresh green note and nutrients, balancing the soup’s richness.
- Chopped carrots (2 cups): Brings natural sweetness and vibrant orange hues.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Contributes pops of juicy sweetness that cut through the earthiness.
- Vegetable broth (10 cups): The flavorful liquid that brings everything together and keeps the soup light.
- Dried garlic (½ tablespoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Dried parsley (½ tablespoon): Offers a gentle herbaceous spark.
- Dried thyme (½ tablespoon): Gives an earthy, comforting aroma.
- Dried Italian seasoning (½ tablespoon): A blend that rounds out the herb profile with zest.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of heat to awaken the soup’s flavors.
How to Make Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by placing all the chopped vegetables—onion, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and corn—into a large 6-quart Dutch oven or pot. Pour in the vegetable broth to cover and begin building the foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Add Spices
Sprinkle in the dried garlic, parsley, thyme, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the spices evenly coat the vegetables, ensuring each bite is infused with complex flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a lively boil over medium-high heat. Then lower the heat to a gentle simmer, partially covering the pot so steam can escape and the soup naturally thickens. Let it cook for 45 to 60 minutes until every vegetable is meltingly tender.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
With an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup right in the pot until it’s irresistibly smooth and velvety. This step transforms the chunky ingredients into a creamy, comforting goodness.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency
If your soup feels too thick, don’t worry—it’s easy to fix! Add a splash of water, milk, or extra broth little by little until you reach the perfect consistency, silky but not watered down.
How to Serve Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few crunchy croutons can add just the right touch of indulgence and texture to complement the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple mixed green salad. Each side brings a new texture and flavor that turns your meal into a satisfying feast perfect for any day of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in warmed bowls to keep it cozy longer, or get playful by ladling it into hollowed-out bread bowls for that rustic, comforting vibe. You could also layer the soup with a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of sharp grated cheese for an unexpected burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
This Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep its quality for up to 3 months so you can enjoy a homemade soup anytime you need a quick, nourishing meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of broth or water to bring back that perfect creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! This soup is very flexible. You can add zucchini, pumpkin, or even peas. Just keep the total volume of vegetables similar so the texture and cooking time stay consistent.
Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use vegetable broth without any hidden gluten ingredients. It’s a safe and delicious option for many dietary needs.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender, then blend. It’s a hands-off way to develop those rich flavors with minimal effort.
What can I add to make it richer without dairy?
Try adding a splash of coconut milk or a handful of soaked cashews blended in. Both add creaminess and depth without any dairy, keeping the soup comforting and creamy.
How do I keep the soup from becoming too thick after blending?
If the soup thickens as it cools, simply stir in a little extra broth or water while reheating to loosen it up. Adjusting the thickness is easy and lets you enjoy every spoonful exactly as you like it.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make and share because it’s both simple and soul-satisfying. It’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings out the best in everyday vegetables with comfort and elegance. I truly hope you give it a try soon—once you do, it might just become your go-to soup for all seasons.
Print
Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy vegetable soup is a comforting, nutritious blend of cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and corn simmered to perfection in vegetable broth with aromatic dried herbs. Pureed until smooth, it offers a velvety texture and rich flavor, perfect for a wholesome meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 small onion)
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (1 large cauliflower)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 cup frozen corn
Liquids
- 10 cups vegetable broth
Spices & Herbs
- ½ tablespoon dried garlic
- ½ tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ tablespoon dried thyme
- ½ tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Pot and Ingredients: Gather all chopped vegetables including the onion, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and frozen corn.
- Combine Ingredients: Place all the chopped vegetables into a 6-quart Dutch oven or large pot.
- Add Vegetable Broth: Pour in 10 cups of vegetable broth over the vegetables in the pot.
- Incorporate Spices: Add the dried garlic, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried Italian seasoning, and black pepper to the pot, and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially with a lid, allowing some steam to escape, and cook for 45-60 minutes or until all vegetables are fully softened.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the lid and use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: Check the thickness of the soup. If too thick, gradually add water, milk, or more vegetable/chicken broth until your desired creamy texture is achieved. Stir well after each addition.
Notes
- This soup can be made vegetarian or vegan by ensuring the broth is vegetable-based and omitting dairy in the consistency adjustment step.
- Use fresh herbs if available for more vibrant flavor; adjust quantities accordingly.
- You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For extra protein, add cooked lentils or beans before blending.
- Adjust seasoning with salt or additional pepper to taste after blending, as broth brands vary in saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
