Description
Vegan chicken noodle soup is a plant-based twist on a classic comfort dish, combining nourishing ingredients like vegetables, plant-based proteins, and flavorful herbs. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup provides the warmth and satisfaction of the traditional version.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 3 Carrots, sliced
- 2 Celery Stalks, chopped
- 6 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 cups Tofu, cubed (or 1 cup chickpeas)
- 2 cups Noodles (wheat or rice)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Simmer the Broth:
- Pour in the vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Add tofu or chickpeas for protein. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add the Noodles:
- Stir in the noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
- Season and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley or a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
Notes
Variations
- Instant Pot Version: Sauté vegetables, add broth, protein, and noodles, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
- Soy-Free Version: Substitute tofu/soy curls with chickpeas or lentils.
- Lemon Herb Variation: Add lemon juice and fresh dill for a refreshing twist.
- High-Protein Soup: Include seitan, tempeh, or more chickpeas for added protein.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze broth and vegetables separately from noodles to avoid mushiness. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding water or broth if thickened.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Noodles: Add them during the final minutes of cooking to maintain texture.
- Adding Herbs Too Early: Fresh herbs should be added just before serving for maximum flavor.
- Under-seasoning the Broth: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Serving Suggestions
- Vegan Air-Fried Zucchini: A crunchy, nutritious side that complements the soup.
- Black Bean Salsa: Adds spice and texture as a garnish.
- Whole Grain Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the broth.
FAQs
- Can vegan chicken noodle soup help with colds?
- Yes, it provides hydration and immune-boosting ingredients.
- What noodles work best?
- Wheat noodles for heartiness; rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
- Can I freeze the soup?
- Yes, freeze broth and veggies separately from noodles.
- How to make it soy-free?
- Replace soy products with chickpeas or lentils.
- Is it healthy for regular consumption?
- Absolutely! It’s low in fat and high in nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes