How to Make French Vegan Soups from Scratch

French cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and comforting dishes, and vegan soups are no exception. Making French vegan soups from scratch is not only easy but also allows you to experiment with a variety of fresh ingredients. Here’s a guide on how to create some classic French vegan soups in your own kitchen.

1. Ratatouille Soup

Ratatouille is a traditional Provençal dish that can be transformed into a hearty soup. For this recipe, you will need:

1 medium eggplant, diced
2 zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Add the eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, sautéing for another 5-7 minutes. Mix in the tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

2. French Onion Soup (Vegan Style)

Traditionally, French onion soup is rich and savory. Here’s how to make a vegan version:

4 large onions, thinly sliced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Crusty bread and vegan cheese for topping (optional)

In a pot, heat the olive oil and add the onions. Cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they caramelize. Add balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve hot, topped with crusty bread and, if desired, vegan cheese.

3. Vichyssoise (Chilled Leek and Potato Soup)

This classic French soup is perfect for warm days. You will need:

4 leeks, cleaned and chopped
3 medium potatoes, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large pot, add the leeks, and cook until softened. Add the potatoes and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend until smooth. Stir in coconut or almond milk, retaining the balance of flavors. Chill the soup for at least two hours before serving.

4. Provencal Vegetable Soup (Soupe au Pistou)

This vibrant and fresh soup is packed with seasonal vegetables. Ingredients include:

1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 zucchini, chopped
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 cups green beans, trimmed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, add the diced onion and carrots, then sauté for about 5 minutes. Add zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Simmer until vivid colors appear and the vegetables are tender. For the pistou, blend basil leaves, garlic, and a splash of olive oil, then stir into the soup just before serving.

Conclusion

Making French vegan soups from scratch allows you to explore the wonderful flavors of French cuisine while maintaining a plant-based diet. These recipes are not only simple to follow but also provide a delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients. Try these