Hearty & Easy Vegan Gnocchi Soup: A Cozy Plant-Based Meal
Say goodbye to ordinary noodle soups and welcome a delightful change with this incredible Gnocchi Soup! This recipe masterfully replaces traditional pasta with soft, pillowy gnocchi, creating a truly unique and satisfying texture that will tantalize your taste buds. Brimming with nutritious kale, an array of fresh vegetables, and an abundance of aromatic herbs and garlic, this easy soup recipe is an explosion of flavor in every spoonful.
While I certainly appreciate a classic noodle soup – like my beloved Thai coconut curry soup – there’s something undeniably special about gnocchi that elevates a simple soup to an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether it’s the delightful surprise of encountering these tender potato dumplings instead of noodles or their intrinsically irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this vegan gnocchi soup is genuinely something to be excited about. It transforms a humble bowl of soup into a gourmet delight, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave profound comfort food.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its ability to stand alone as a complete and incredibly satisfying meal. Forget those watery soups that leave you rummaging for snacks an hour later! Packed generously with tender gnocchi, savory vegan chicken pieces, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, this hearty gnocchi soup ensures you’ll feel full and contented. If you’ve previously hesitated to prepare soup for dinner, fearing it might not be substantial enough, prepare to have your mind completely changed by this robust and filling gnocchi soup recipe.
Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Gnocchi Soup
- Effortlessly Easy to Make. Don’t let its gourmet appeal fool you – this delicious gnocchi soup comes together in just over 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick and wholesome weeknight dinner when time is of the essence. Despite its speedy preparation, it manages to infuse so much rich, deep flavor into every spoonful, tasting like it simmered all day.
- Remarkably Customizable. This recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel absolutely free to substitute the suggested vegetables with your personal favorites, or experiment with a different plant-based protein. The possibilities are endless, making this gnocchi soup recipe truly your own!
- Incredibly Hearty and Satisfying. More than just a simple soup, this dish is designed to be a complete and filling meal. Beyond the tender potato gnocchi, it features chunky pieces of savory vegan chicken, nutrient-dense kale, and a generous assortment of other hearty vegetables, ensuring a truly satisfying experience that will keep you full and happy.
- Bursting with Flavor. The combination of sautéed mirepoix, generous amounts of fresh garlic and herbs, and a rich vegetable broth creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and incredibly delicious. Each ingredient contributes to a well-rounded and aromatic profile that will make this soup a staple in your recipe rotation.
Essential Ingredients for Your Gnocchi Soup
To ensure you have the best possible experience creating this delightful soup, here’s a closer look at the key ingredients. For precise quantities and step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the detailed recipe card below.
- Vegan Butter – I often prefer making my own homemade vegan butter for its fresh flavor and control over ingredients. However, any high-quality store-bought vegan butter will work wonderfully, or you can simply use an equal amount of extra olive oil for a slightly lighter touch.
- Olive Oil – A good quality olive oil adds a subtle fruity note and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
- Mirepoix (Yellow Onion, Celery Stalks, Carrots) – This classic aromatic base is the foundation of so many fantastic soup recipes, and our gnocchi soup is no exception. These three vegetables release incredible savory notes as they soften, building a rich flavor profile for the entire soup.
- Salt – Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the vegetables and broth. Adjust to your taste preferences throughout the cooking process.
- Garlic – We’re not shy with garlic in this recipe! Plenty of minced garlic cloves are added to ensure a robust and deeply aromatic flavor that permeates the entire soup. If you’re a true garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two for an even bolder taste.
- All-Purpose Flour – A small amount of flour acts as a thickening agent, helping to create a luscious, slightly creamy broth that clings beautifully to the gnocchi and vegetables. It’s crucial for achieving that comforting, substantial consistency.
- Seasonings – We use a simple yet potent blend of freshly ground black pepper, additional salt, earthy dried oregano, and fragrant dried thyme. These herbs complement the vegetables and gnocchi perfectly, adding an authentic, savory depth.
- Vegetable Broth – The quality of your vegetable broth can significantly impact the final taste of your soup. My personal favorite is this homemade vegetable broth made from kitchen scraps, which offers unparalleled depth. However, a good store-bought low-sodium vegetable broth you trust will also work excellently.
- Vegan Chicken – Adding a plant-based protein makes this soup truly substantial. Cubed vegan chicken pieces are a fantastic choice for their texture and savory flavor. For a more budget-friendly or DIY option, you could also use seitan, or even try my homemade vegan chicken recipe.
- Vegan Gnocchi – The star of the show! Both classic potato gnocchi or lighter cauliflower gnocchi will work wonderfully in this recipe, providing that irresistible pillowy texture. Ensure they are certified vegan if purchasing pre-made.
- Tuscan Kale (Lacinato Kale) – Known for its slightly sweeter and more tender leaves compared to curly kale, Tuscan kale adds a lovely vibrant green color, a slight earthy bitterness, and a boost of nutrients to the soup. Make sure to slice it thinly for easier eating.
Crafting Your Delicious Vegan Gnocchi Soup
- Sauté Your Aromatics. Begin by melting the vegan butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then introduce the diced yellow onion, thinly sliced celery, and halved and thinly sliced carrots. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté these vegetables until they become beautifully softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes wonderfully aromatic.
- Build the Roux and Season. Next, sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables in the pot. Add the ground black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated with the flour and seasonings. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste and slightly toast, creating a foundational roux for your soup.
- Simmer to Perfection. Gradually and slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously as you add it to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the broth to thicken slightly.
- Finish with Freshness and Protein. Finally, stir in the cubed vegan chicken pieces, the vegan gnocchi, and the thinly sliced Tuscan kale. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top, indicating they are cooked through and perfectly tender. The kale should also wilt and become tender-crisp.
- Taste and Adjust. Give the soup a good taste test and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt or pepper to achieve your desired flavor balance. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Gnocchi Soup
- Slice the Kale Thinly. For the most enjoyable eating experience, ensure your kale leaves are sliced very thinly. Large, tough pieces of kale can be cumbersome and less pleasant to eat in a spoonful of soup. Thin strips will integrate seamlessly and become tender without losing their texture.
- Invest in Quality Vegetable Broth. The vegetable broth forms the very essence and flavor foundation of this soup. A high-quality broth will impart a richness and depth that a watery or low-quality one simply cannot. While homemade broth is always superior, if using store-bought, opt for a reputable brand with good flavor, preferably low-sodium so you can control the salt content.
- Avoid Overcooking the Gnocchi. Gnocchi cook quickly, and overcooking them can lead to a mushy, bloated texture. Pay close attention: as soon as the gnocchi float to the surface of the simmering soup, they are ready. Turn off the heat almost immediately to preserve their delicate, pillowy consistency.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté. Allowing your mirepoix (onions, celery, carrots) to properly soften and caramelize slightly at the beginning of the cooking process is key to developing a deep, complex flavor base for the soup. Patience here will be rewarded with a much richer taste.
Delicious Variations to Explore
One of the joys of this vegan gnocchi soup is how versatile it is! Feel free to get creative and experiment with these delightful variations:
- Experiment with Other Proteins. While vegan chicken is excellent, don’t hesitate to try other plant-based proteins. Hearty white beans or chickpeas can add a creamy texture and protein boost. Vegan turkey, or even your favorite plant-based sausage (sliced and browned), would be fantastic additions, bringing different flavor profiles and textures.
- Swap Out the Greens. If kale isn’t your preference or you’re looking for something different, spinach or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives. Spinach will wilt quickly, adding a milder green flavor, while Swiss chard offers a slightly earthier note.
- Introduce Fennel for a Unique Twist. For an unexpected burst of flavor, try adding thinly sliced fennel bulbs along with your mirepoix. Fennel adds a delicate anise-like flavor that brightens the entire soup and complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Make it Extra Creamy. For a richer, more indulgent soup, stir in a few splashes of vegan heavy cream (such as cashew cream or store-bought vegan cooking cream) during the final minutes of cooking. This will add a luxurious silky texture and mellow the flavors slightly.
- Spice It Up. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the other seasonings will give your soup a pleasant kick.
Perfect Pairings for Your Gnocchi Soup
This hearty vegan gnocchi soup truly is substantial enough to be considered a meal on its own, offering complete satisfaction. However, if you’re looking to round out your dining experience or host a larger gathering, there are several fantastic accompaniments that pair beautifully. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing, Italian-inspired salad, like this vibrant chickpea panzanella, which adds a lovely contrast of textures and flavors. And of course, no comforting soup is complete without a delicious bread to soak up every last drop of that savory broth! I always recommend serving it with a crusty loaf. My rustic olive bread or this aromatic garlic and rosemary focaccia bread would be ideal choices.
Storing Leftover Gnocchi Soup
To preserve the freshness and flavor of your delicious gnocchi soup, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You may need to add a splash of extra vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
Can I Freeze This Gnocchi Soup?
While freezing leftovers is often a convenient option, I generally do not recommend freezing this particular gnocchi soup as a whole. The delicate texture of the gnocchi tends to suffer significantly during the freezing, thawing, and reheating process, often becoming quite mushy. However, if you absolutely wish to prepare components in advance or freeze a portion of the soup base, the best approach would be to freeze the soup *without* the gnocchi. You can then cook and add fresh gnocchi when you reheat the thawed soup on the stovetop, ensuring they retain their perfect pillowy texture.
More Hearty Vegan Soup Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed this comforting gnocchi soup, you’ll love exploring these other equally satisfying and flavorful vegan soup creations:
- Creamy Vegan Cheeseburger Soup
- Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup
- Rich Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Creamy Vegan Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
- Easy Lentil Soup (Vegan & Spiced)
We hope you truly enjoy this comforting and flavorful vegan gnocchi soup, friends! It’s a recipe close to our hearts, designed to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. If you give this gnocchi soup a try, we’d absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Please snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging #jessicainthekitchen and mentioning @jessicainthekitchen. Your feedback means the world to us, so we’d also be incredibly grateful if you would leave a comment below and give the recipe a star rating. Thank you so much for your support and happy cooking!
Gnocchi Soup
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, 28 grams
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, 15 ml
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt, 6 grams
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup flour, 30 grams
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 gram
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 gram
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 gram
- 5 cups vegetable broth, 1183 ml
- 2 pieces vegan chicken, cubed
- 2 cups vegan gnocchi, 380 grams
- 1 ½ cups Tuscan kale, sliced thin 100 grams
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil, diced onion, thinly sliced celery, and halved and thinly sliced carrots. Season with a teaspoon of salt and sauté until the vegetables are softened, fragrant, and slightly translucent, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes aromatic.
- Add the flour, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir vigorously to ensure the vegetables are thoroughly coated with the flour mixture. Continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the flour and cook out its raw taste, forming a flavorful roux.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, adding it slowly while stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming and to create a smooth, thickened soup base. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together.
- Stir in the cubed vegan chicken, vegan gnocchi, and the thinly sliced Tuscan kale into the simmering soup. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top of the liquid (indicating they are cooked through and tender) and the kale has wilted slightly but still retains some texture.
- Carefully taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to achieve your perfect flavor balance. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty meal!
Notes
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.