Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of creamy chicken soup but following a vegan lifestyle? Look no further! This delicious vegan cream of chicken soup recipe delivers all the comforting flavors you love without any animal products. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and packed with healthy vegetables. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade comfort food, completely plant-based! This easy recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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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 the foundation of flavor for our delicious dish.
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Add the broth and chickpeas: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cooked chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Blend the soup: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, thyme, and rosemary. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
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Season and serve: Return the soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your homemade, healthy, and delicious vegan cream of chicken soup!
Tips for the Best Vegan Cream of Chicken Soup:
- Soaking the cashews: Soaking the cashews is crucial for achieving a creamy texture. If you skip this step, your soup may be grainy.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A pinch of turmeric can add a beautiful golden color and earthy flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Creamier soup: For an even creamier soup, add a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese or coconut cream before blending.
- Different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, marjoram, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This vegan cream of chicken soup recipe is a testament to how delicious and satisfying plant-based cooking can be. It’s a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and best recipes that are both healthy and easy to make. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!