The Comfort of Creamy Vegetable Soup with Nutritional Yeast Recipe
There’s something deeply soothing about settling in with a warm bowl of soup that feels like a hug from the inside. This Creamy Vegetable Soup with Nutritional Yeast Recipe has been my go-to whenever I want something nourishing yet effortlessly comforting. The golden, velvety broth infused with aromatic rosemary and the savoriness from nutritional yeast really make it stand apart from your usual veggie soup.
When you make this soup, I bet you’ll notice how each spoonful offers a subtle, lightly crisp vegetable bite balanced by that smooth, creamy texture. It’s perfect for chilly afternoons, but honestly, I keep it in rotation year-round. I love how adaptable it is—you can personalize the veggies or tweak the seasoning to suit your mood or pantry.
It’s a recipe designed to ease any stress in the kitchen but still deliver on depth and richness. Once you learn the steps, the soup practically makes itself, leaving you free to savor the lovely, cozy aromas that fill your home.
What Makes It Irresistible
- Layered flavor: Comforting, rich, and beautifully balanced.
- Easy method: Steps designed for any skill level.
- Adaptable: Works with pantry swaps and seasonal twists.
- Prep-friendly: Can be made ahead without losing quality.
Ingredient Guide
- Olive oil: A fragrant, healthy fat that gently sautés the veggies, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Garlic & onion: The aromatic foundation that adds depth and a subtle kick.
- Carrots & celery: Classic soup veggies lending sweetness and crunch—feel free to swap for parsnips or fennel for a twist.
- Frozen corn & peas: These add bursts of tender sweetness and vibrant color, easily swapped out for fresh if in season.
- Nutritional yeast: The secret star here! It gives a cheesy, umami richness without dairy, making this soup creamy and satisfying.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base; homemade or store-bought, just pick a good quality one for best flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the roux to thicken the soup; use gluten-free flour if preferred.
- Dairy-free butter & milk: These round out the creaminess while keeping the recipe vegan-friendly. Soy or oat milk works beautifully.
- Fresh rosemary: Adds a woodsy, aromatic note that lifts the whole soup.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing everything together—taste as you go!
Prep Before You Begin
Before you dive in, make sure to prep all your ingredients—chop your onion, carrots, and celery, mince the garlic, and finely chop the rosemary. Have your frozen peas and corn out for easy measuring. I find that having a mise en place not only makes the cooking process flow smoother but helps you enjoy the aromas and textures along the way.
Tools & Setup
Here’s what you’ll want on hand so your Creamy Vegetable Soup with Nutritional Yeast Recipe comes together smoothly—plus optional extras that make the process even easier.
How to Make Creamy Vegetable Soup with Nutritional Yeast Recipe
Step 1: Start by chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Mince your garlic finely and chop the rosemary so it can release its aroma quickly when cooked. Having the frozen corn and peas ready nearby will keep you moving efficiently.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté gently for 8-10 minutes until they become soft and start to release a sweet scent. When you stir in the garlic and rosemary, you’ll notice the kitchen filling with an inviting, woodsy aroma. Cook for about a minute—just enough to bloom the flavors without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Add the dairy-free butter and let it melt slow and steady. Then whisk in the flour, forming a roux—this paste thickens the soup. Cook it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly; you’ll smell a slight toasty note, indicating the flour is cooked and won’t leave a raw taste.
Step 4: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. The mixture will smooth out into a rich base. Stir in the nutritional yeast, which deepens the umami and adds that signature creamy touch. Let the soup simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the broth to thicken to a luscious consistency.
Expert Tips to Nail It
Small adjustments that make a big difference in texture, timing, and flavor so your Creamy Vegetable Soup with Nutritional Yeast Recipe turns out reliably amazing.
Step 5: Add in the frozen corn and peas, stirring gently. Let them simmer for 3-5 minutes until they’re heated through but still have a bit of tenderness—this adds a fresh pop in every bite. You’ll enjoy how these little bursts of sweetness complement the creaminess.
Step 6: Turn the heat down to low and slowly pour in the dairy-free milk while stirring continuously. This prevents any curdling and ensures every drop blends into the silky soup. Gently heat for a couple more minutes—just enough to warm through but don’t let it come to a boil now, or the soup might separate.
Step 7: Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go until it feels just right. Then ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. The richness of this creamy vegetable soup truly shines best fresh, but leftovers reheat beautifully.
Creative Variations for Creamy Vegetable Soup with Nutritional Yeast Recipe
- Swap carrots for sweet potatoes or pumpkin puree for a subtly sweet and creamy twist.
- Add chopped kale or spinach in Step 5 for a boost of greens and color.
- For a smoky hint, stir in a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder with the rosemary.
- Swap corn and peas for seasonal vegetables like asparagus tips or green beans in springtime.
- Top your bowl with toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and added texture.
- Serve with crusty bread or a drizzle of chili oil for a little heat and indulgence.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze this soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or separation.
- If soup thickens too much upon cooling, thin it out with a splash of broth or plant-based milk while reheating.
Creamy Vegetable Soup with Nutritional Yeast Recipe FAQs
- Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh peas and corn work beautifully—just add them a bit earlier in the cooking process to ensure they soften properly.
- Is nutritional yeast necessary? It’s not mandatory, but it adds a unique cheesy depth and umami that dairy-free soups often miss. You can skip it but expect a milder flavor.
- Can I make this soup gluten-free? Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and you’re all set.
- How thick should the soup be? It should coat your spoon lightly—creamy and luscious but still spoonable, not too thick or thin.
- Can I add protein? For a heartier meal, stir in cooked lentils, white beans, or cubed tofu just before serving.
Creamy Vegetable Soup with Nutritional Yeast Recipe
This Easy One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is a comforting and healthy plant-based dish that combines fresh vegetables with a creamy, dairy-free base. Made in a single pot, it features sautéed aromatics, frozen vegetables, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Perfect for a quick nutritious meal, this soup is flavorful, hearty, and simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 Minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- ½ cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Liquids and Fats
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup dairy-free butter
- 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (e.g., soy milk)
Thickening Agents and Seasoning
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery, mince the garlic, and finely chop the fresh rosemary. Have the frozen corn and peas ready for use.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and fresh rosemary; cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Add 1/3 cup dairy-free butter to the pot and let it melt completely. Whisk in 1/3 cup all-purpose flour to form a thick paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes with constant stirring to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Nutritional Yeast: Gradually whisk in 4 cups vegetable broth until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Stir in 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add Frozen Vegetables: Stir in the frozen corn and peas. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through but remain tender-crisp.
- Incorporate Dairy-Free Milk: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk while stirring continuously to maintain a smooth texture. Gently warm the soup for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it does not boil after adding the milk to prevent curdling.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, adjusting to your taste preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use any unsweetened dairy-free milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk based on preference.
- Do not boil the soup after adding dairy-free milk to avoid curdling.
- Adding nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor while keeping the soup vegan and dairy-free.
- Leftover soup can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in a microwave.
