Soup Up Your Diet With These Healthy, Delicious, Vegetarian Options

Soup may seem like a simple meal, but they are a great way of packing flavour and nutrients into every bite. Another great benefit of soup for the health-conscious is that because they are full of liquid they help you to stay hydrated and fuller for longer! Indeed, even our ancestors knew the wisdom of soup, with the first dishes being made around 20,000 BC when simple clay bowls and vessels were created. Of course, to enjoy all the benefits that soup provides, it’s important to find recipes that are not only packed with nutritious vegetables but taste great too. Lucky, I’ve collected the best 4 for you to try below.  

Chunky minestrone

The first yummy, vegetarian soup recipe that you just have to try is the chunky minestrone that you will find on my site here. Somewhere between a soup and a stew, this delicious tomato-based dish is packed with flavour from herbs such as paprika, thyme, garlic, bay leaves and oregano. 

Sweetness is added with carrots and parsnips, and to make it satisfying and filling butter beans and orzo pasta complete the dish. You definitely won’t be hungry again soon after eating a piping hot bowl of this. 

If you are a lover of all things hot and spicy you may even wish to add some dried chilli flakes or some fresh chillies. Do remember to use the smoked version of paprika though, as this gives it its lovely robust flavour. 

Instant pot veggie manchow soup

While we are on the topic of spicy soups, another fish you don’t want to miss is the Indio-Chinese inspired Veggie Manchow. This is a soup that balances a wealth of fresh, and nutrient-packed veggies with Asian sauces to give it its rich flavour. 

As with any of these soups you can put your own preferred mix of vegetables in. Although, the recipe for instant pot veggie manchow soup that I use includes: 

• Spring onions, 
• Green chillies, 
• Garlic,
• Green bell peppers, 
• Carrots, 
• Mushrooms, 
• Green beans, 
• Cabbage

Sauces you need to use include soy, green chilli, and vinegar too. Be sure to use the dark soy sauce variety because its deep brown hue gives colour to the soup. 

Remember too that you can make this vegetable-packed soup even more healthy by opting for low-salt broth, and ditching the fried noodles that top it. Instead, why not try chopped spring onion?

Leek and Potato 

Leek and potato soup is a real classic here in the UK and works great to warm you up on a cold winter’s night, or after a chilly run in the rain. It’s super simple to make too and requires very few ingredients. 

Obviously, leeks and potatoes are included, and you will need some vegetable stock too. I also always use onions in the beginning stages as this helps to bring out the flavour of the leeks and make the soup extra delicious. 

To make, cook the onions, and leeks in a pan with a dash of oil. Season well with salt and pepper, and add your vegetable stock. Then dice your potatoes into small cubes and add to the pot until soft. You can leave the soup like that or use a hand blender to make a creamy smooth version. Yum!