10 Plant Based and Vegan Soup Recipes to Keep You Warm this Winter

Baby, it’s cold outside, and that means it’s time to dust off the old slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch oven and get ready for soup season. When it comes to plant-based cooking, soups and stews are great options because many of the recipes are naturally vegan or vegetarian, and don’t require any dairy or meat.

We’ve collected a list of some of our favorite vegan soup and stew recipes to keep you warm for the winter, many of which start with a base of protein-rich ingredients, like beans, or seasonal winter produce. Some are spicy, others sweet, but what these winter recipes all have in common is that they’re completely plant-based and animal-product free.

This Monday, start experimenting with soups. Grab a loaf of good, crusty bread, and you’ll have an easy weeknight dinner in no time.

Carrot Beet Soup

Impress holiday guests with this stunning carrot beet soup. The earthy flavor of the root vegetables is elevated with a splash of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of cayenne pepper sauce. Since we eat with our eyes, this beautiful dish is sure to have everyone hungry for more.

Carrot Soup With Parsnip Chips

Cooking with seasonal ingredients makes for better food. Take advantage of winter vegetables to create this bright carrot soup with parsnip chips. To make the soup, simmer the vegetables until tender, and then send them to the blender. Quickly fry slices of parsnips in a bit of oil for added crunch, and dinner is served.

Creamy Vegetable Noodle Soup

Recreate the essence of a pot pie with way fewer calories with this recipe for creamy vegetable noodle soup. Because the texture of the soup is so smooth and decadent, this is a perfect gateway meal for new plant-based eaters. Cook it up on a chilly afternoon and enjoy each cozy spoonful.

Delicata Squash Soup With Chinese Five Spice

Delicata squash is a winter squash variety known for its tender rind and sweet, creamy flesh. When used together with Chinese five spice, the resulting soup develops a deep savory flavor and exotic aroma. Chinese five spice, which includes star anise, clove, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorn, and fennel seeds, is definitely a blend you should consider permanently adding to your spice rack.

Hearty White Bean and Millet Soup

This hearty white bean and millet soup is substantial enough to serve as a main course. The soup is loaded with vegetables, and the millet provides a satisfying toothsome bite, making this recipe almost more stew than soup.

Moroccan Split Pea Soup

Underappreciated but unbelievably delicious, the split pea is a humble ingredient that is nutritious and simply delightful in soups and stews. When split peas are cooked down, they naturally develop a velvety texture without the need for milk or cream. This Moroccan split pea soup uses a warm, yet simple, blend of spices to complement the subtle flavor of the split pea.

Poblano and White Bean Chili

Smooth, smoky, and satisfying, this recipe for poblano and white bean chili is overflowing with flavor thanks to the generous quantities of ground chile, fresh herbs, and spices. Hominy (whole corn kernels soaked in lye) adds a nice toothsome bite to the chili and provides a pleasant counterbalance to the bold seasoning blend.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

Beat back the winter chills with this recipe for spicy black bean soup from Cookie and Kate. Naturally vegan-and vegetarian-friendly, this soup gets its smooth texture from pureeing some of the cooked beans before adding them back to the pot. Sherry vinegar, red pepper flake, and fresh cilantro give this meal some extra zing.

Spicy Thai Coconut Curry Soup

There’s something magical about the combination of rich coconut milk and the pungent hit of red curry paste. This recipe for spicy Thai coconut curry soup from Fit Foodie Finds pairs the two splendidly for a dish that’s complex and delicious. And the best part is, this recipe is 100 percent vegan!

Sweet Potato Bisque With Crispy White Beans

Sweet potatoes make for incredibly smooth and satisfying soups. This recipe for sweet potato bisque with crispy white beans from Sweet Potato Soul is sweet and spicy; but it’s the topping of cannellini beans—which are sprinkled with olive oil and baked in the oven—that really sets this dish apart from the pack.