This creamy vegan Carrot Potato Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish made with simple ingredients. The combination of tender carrots, potatoes, and a rich cashew cream creates a velvety texture, making it the perfect meal for chilly days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely vegan and dairy-free while still being rich and creamy.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and cashews.
- Easy to make with minimal prep and cooking time.
- Naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep, as it stores well for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion, diced
- Carrots, peeled and chopped
- Celery ribs, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Dried thyme
- Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- Vegetable broth
- Bay leaf
- Cashews, soaked for 4 hours (or quick-soaked)
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and chopped potatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove the bay leaf.
- Prepare the cashew cream: While the soup is simmering, blend the soaked cashews with ½ cup of water until smooth.
- Blend part of the soup: Transfer 1 cup of the cooked soup into the blender. Add the lemon juice and blend until smooth.
- Combine and season: Stir the blended soup and cashew cream back into the pot. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot: Enjoy warm with your favorite bread or a side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Try fresh rosemary or parsley for added depth of flavor.
- Extra Protein: Stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Thicker Consistency: Blend more of the soup for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk or silken tofu instead of cashews for creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes will add a slightly sweeter flavor and a different texture, but they work well in this soup.
Do I have to soak the cashews for 4 hours?
No, you can use the quick-soak method by covering cashews in boiling water and letting them sit for 10 minutes before blending.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes also work well and give the soup a naturally buttery texture.
How do I make this soup without a blender?
You can mash the cooked vegetables with a potato masher for a chunkier soup instead of blending.
What can I use instead of cashews for a creamy texture?
Coconut milk, silken tofu, or unsweetened almond milk are great alternatives.
Can I make this soup oil-free?
Yes, sauté the vegetables in a bit of vegetable broth instead of olive oil.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, parsnips, or butternut squash make great additions.
How can I thicken the soup?
Blend more of the soup or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water for a thicker consistency.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
This creamy Carrot Potato Soup is a wholesome, plant-based comfort food that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With its silky texture, nourishing ingredients, and customizable options, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for any season. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, this soup will warm you up and keep you satisfied!
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Carrot Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy vegan carrot potato soup is a comforting, veggie-packed dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Made with carrots, potatoes, and a rich cashew cream, this soup is naturally dairy-free yet still ultra-creamy. Perfect for a cozy, healthy meal!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 3 large Carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 ribs Celery, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 2 medium Russet Potatoes (about 12 oz), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1/2 cup Cashews, soaked for 4 hours (see quick-soak method below)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally for 6 minutes until softened.
-
Add Seasonings & Potatoes:
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, and potatoes. Cook for 2 more minutes.
-
Simmer the Soup:
- Add the vegetable broth and bay leaf, then bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf.
-
Prepare the Cashew Cream:
- Blend ½ cup of soaked cashews with ½ cup of water until smooth.
-
Blend & Finish the Soup:
- Transfer 1 cup of soup to the blender.
- Add the lemon juice and blend until smooth.
- Stir the blended mixture back into the pot.
-
Season & Serve:
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Quick-Soak Cashews: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, pour over cashews, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain and blend with ½ cup of fresh water.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Texture: For an extra creamy soup, blend the entire batch instead of just 1 cup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American