These plant-based ingredients will help give your soup a luscious and comforting texture.
Here atEatingWell, we love our soups, especially when the weather is less than ideal.
And sometimes, you want that cozy bowl to be creamy and lusciouseven if you don’t eat dairy.
There are several plant-based ingredients that can give your soup smooth richness, with no dairy necessary.
Here are some of our favorite dairy-free ways to make a creamy soup.
Nuts
One way to add body to your soup is with the addition of nuts.
Our Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup pictured above gets a luxurious texture from the addition of chopped walnuts.
They are blended with water and until completely smooth and added to the soup as the vegetables cook.
In our Vegan Pumpkin Soup, cashews are added directly into the soup at the end and blended in.
To help soften nuts, you’ve got the option to soak them in water prior to cooking.
Nuts also add a boost of healthy fats, protein, and fiber to soups.
The nutty flavor brings complexity and layers to a plant-based soup.
Lentils and Legumes
Lentils are a favorite ingredient amongst our staff.
Plus, they’re affordable and pantry-friendly, so it’s easy to always have some on hand.
Nut butter and spreads add a bit of healthy fat and protein, too.
That said, certain vegetables lend themselves to this better than others.
Vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes can be blended smoothly to achieve a creamy, almost buttery texture.
Not to mention, they add fiber and nutrients to your dish.
Recipes like ourRoasted Vegan Cauliflower Soup with Parsley-Chive Swirlmake it easy to up your vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a popular substitute for heavy cream in many soups, stews, and curries.
OurVegan Butternut Squash Souppairs coconut milk with curry paste for an ultra-satisfying and comforting meal.
