Craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness on a chilly evening? Look no further! This vegan chicken noodle soup recipe delivers all the familiar flavors of classic chicken noodle soup without any of the animal products. It's a delicious and healthy meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a fantastic option for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a satisfying and wholesome dish. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cooking with this truly delightful vegan adaptation!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight meal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup dried noodles (egg-free) – I recommend using thin egg noodles.
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (canned or homemade) – These stand in perfectly for chicken!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Soup Perfection
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base flavor for your soup.
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Add the Broth and Spices: Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add Noodles and Chickpeas: Add the egg-free noodles and chickpeas to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through. Make sure to check the noodles frequently towards the end to prevent overcooking.
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Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
- For a richer flavor: Roast the carrots, celery, and onion before adding them to the pot. This adds depth and sweetness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of vegan cream cheese or coconut milk before serving for a creamier texture.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or zucchini.
- Use different noodles: Experiment with different types of egg-free noodles, such as rice noodles or gluten-free noodles.
Variations: Customize Your Bowl
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Try these variations for a unique twist:
- Lemon Herb Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon at the end of cooking.
- Spicy Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Vegetable-Packed Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup: Increase the quantity of vegetables to create a heartier and more nutritious soup.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: Approximately 10g
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Fiber: Approximately 5g
This vegan chicken noodle soup is a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, customizable to your taste, and packed with flavor and nutrition. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying bowl of goodness!