When we think of soups, we generally think of a chicken or a vegetable broth base. But believe it or not, the key to making amazing vegan soup isn’t in the broth, it’s in the details. Here are some tips for making delicious plant-based soups.
Salt
When cooking with vegetables, salt is a key ingredient for giving flavor. Many vegetable soups contain beans for protein, and to bring out their unique flavors, you need salt.
Water
Water is the base of the soup, and it’s important to only add it once. Make sure you season it with salt and pepper and some dried spices.
Texture
For vegan soups, it’s best for the vegetables and beans to be a bit crispy—so make sure you cut the vegetables into large pieces. For a nice twist, top the soups with seeds or salad greens.
Spices
Spices give the soup a rich flavor, nutritional yeast will give soups a umami/savory flavor, and smoked paprika gives a smoky flavor. Other spices to use include curries, chili powders, and cinnamon.
Acid
When vegetables are simmered in water, they can taste dull. To give them more flavor add a dash of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or sherry vinegar after the soup is finished.