Vegetarian Soups and Stews

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Healthy Vegetarian Soup Recipes

Soups and stews are basic, and the techniques are classic. Each is based on a flavorful liquid, such as stock or broth, and any additional ingredients contribute specific flavors or textures. They make wonderful vegetarian meals because they typically rely on affordable—even homegrown ingredients—such as hearty grains and vegetables.

Garlic Soup is a simple appetizer soup that makes the most of everyday ingredients. Serve with a slice of Tomato and Garlic Toast and green salad for a light lunch. Use high-quality ingredients; because this basic soup has few elements, each contributes substantially to its success.

View Recipe: Garlic Soup (Sopa de Ajo)

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Vegetable Soup with Pistou

This vegetable soup doesn’t lack when it comes to fresh produce. Its hearty ingredient list will leave you and your hungry diners feeling delightfully satisfied.

View Recipe: Vegetable Soup with Pistou

Photo: Randy Mayor

Hot and Sour Soup

There is nothing like the dynamic duo of hot and sour. We love this classic soup and are pretty sure you will soon be a fan too.

View Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup

Photo: Randy Mayor

Fiery Tofu and Coconut Curry Soup

This recipe brings the heat, but in the best way. Sweet and spicy and completely delicious, this soup will soon become a favorite.

View Recipe: Fiery Tofu and Coconut Curry Soup

Photo: Johnny Autry

White Bean and Hominy Chili

Vegetarian chipotle sausage packs quite a punch, adding savory depth to the entire pot.

View Recipe: White Bean and Hominy Chili

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Roasted Butternut Soup with Goat Cheese Toasts

Most any winter squash will work in this recipe. We like butternut for the nutty, slightly sweet flavor it lends to the soup. Serve this paired with a hearty salad studded with nuts and seeds for a more filling entrée.

View Recipe: Roasted Butternut Soup with Goat Cheese Toasts

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Grilled Corn and Potato Chowder

Grilled corn ups the flavor quotient in this classic soup. Fresh thyme also stands at the forefront when it comes to making this soup a family favorite.

View Recipe: Grilled Corn and Potato Chowder

Photo: Lain Bagwell

African Ground Nut Stew with Sour Cream-Chive Topping

Peanuts are also called ground nuts to distinguish them from tree nuts. They're a staple in African cuisine. For more intense heat, use a full teaspoon of crushed red pepper. Garnish with chives, if desired.

View Recipe: African Ground Nut Stew with Sour Cream-Chive Topping

Photo: Johnny Autry

Quinoa and Roasted Pepper Chili

Roasted bell pepper gives this dish a delightful boost. You'll love how the Spanish smoked paprika adds to the dimension of flavor.

View Recipe: Quinoa and Roasted Pepper Chili

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chickpea and Winter Vegetable Stew

The fiery ingredient used to give a heap of flavor in this recipe is Harissa, a spice paste used in Moroccan cooking. Look for it at Middle Eastern markets.

View Recipe: Chickpea and Winter Vegetable Stew

Photo: Randy Mayor

Smoky Seitan, Pinto Bean, and Hominy Stew

Recipe developer Andrew Brown of White Dog Café in Philadelphia serves this satisfying vegetarian stew in roasted, seeded acorn squash halves. This dish provides nearly a day's allowance of protein, most of it from seitan, also known as wheat gluten. Chipotle chile powder lends wonderful smoky flavor. Hominy is a traditional Native American ingredient.

View Recipe: Smoky Seitan, Pinto Bean, and Hominy Stew

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Lentil-Edamame Stew

Fava beans are traditional in this stew, which we updated with edamame. You can also substitute green peas for the edamame, if you like. Scoop up the thick stew with Teff Injera Bread or pita. Halve the portion if you'd like to serve this as a hearty side dish.

View Recipe: Lentil-Edamame Stew

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili

This recipe proves that hearty chili doesn’t necessarily mean meat on the ingredient list. The variety of beans give great texture and flavor.

View Recipe: Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili

Photo: Johnny Autry

Red Lentil-Pumpkin Soup

The hearty crunch of pumpkinseed adds wonderful contrast to this rich, creamy soup.

View Recipe: Red Lentil-Pumpkin Soup