One of my tried and true (and well-reviewed!) vegan soups is Zuppa di Fagioli! An Italian-inspired soup, packed with hearty vegetables, beans, and savory Tuscan herbs and spices, this plant-based soup is simple to prep and will make your kitchen smell divine!
6-8 cupsvegetable stock or 2 vegetable bouillon cubes + 6-8 cups of water
1bay leaf
1sprigfresh rosemary
2tspdried basil
1tspdried thyme
1/2tbspfennel seeds
1tspdried chili flakes+ more for serving
1tspblack pepper
1/2 bunchkalechopped, about 4 cups raw (optional)
1loaf Italian breadsuch as ciabatta; sliced and toasted to serve
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot (such as an enameled cast iron pot) over medium heat.
Add the leek, garlic, celery, and a pinch of sea salt. Sauté the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, carrots, squash, potatoes, beans, and lentils. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the vegetable stock (or the bouillon and water), dried bay leaf, rosemary, basil, thyme, fennel seeds, and chili flakes and stir well. If you like a brothier soup, add more liquid. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup come to a light simmer. Cook for 30 minutes with the lid ajar until the carrots and potatoes are tender. If using kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Season the soup with the black pepper and season to taste with salt. If desired, remove the rosemary and bay leaf, or be careful to avoid them when serving.
Serve the soup with a thick slice of toasted bread, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red chili flakes. Enjoy hot!
Notes
Storage Directions:
Refrigeration: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Freezing: Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, it can be transferred to a freezer-safe container and frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm zuppa di fagioli in a saucepan over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave on gentle heat until hot.