Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This hearty soup highlights tender Yukon gold potatoes and vibrant kale simmered in a seasoned vegetable broth. Aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano add depth, while garlic and onion provide a fragrant base. The soup can be enriched by blending a portion for creamy texture or served chunky for rustic comfort. Brightened with optional lemon juice, it’s a nourishing and simple dish ideal for cold days, featuring fresh vegetables and wholesome flavors.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:43:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished, ready to warm you on a cold day. Save
Steaming bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished, ready to warm you on a cold day. | toastybloom.com

A hearty, comforting soup featuring tender potatoes and nutrient-rich kale, perfect for chilly days. This vegetarian recipe is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.

I first made this soup on one particularly cold winter evening when I wanted something wholesome and warming but didn&t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The kale and potato combination quickly became a favorite in my house.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Yellow onion: 1 large, diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Yukon gold potatoes: 4 medium, peeled and diced
  • Carrots: 3 medium, sliced
  • Celery: 3 stalks, sliced
  • Kale: 4 cups, chopped (stems removed)
  • Vegetable broth: 4 cups
  • Water: 1 cup
  • Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Lemon juice (optional): 1 tablespoon

Instructions

Saute aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic:
Add garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add vegetables:
Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
Add liquids and seasonings:
Pour in vegetable broth and water. Stir in thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are tender.
Add kale:
Stir in chopped kale and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until wilted and tender.
Finish and serve:
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed and stir in lemon juice, if using. Serve hot.
A close-up shot of the flavorful Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, showcasing colorful vegetables. Save
A close-up shot of the flavorful Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, showcasing colorful vegetables. | toastybloom.com

My kids love building their own soup bowls and always ask for extra potatoes. Sharing this around the table is a tradition on cozy evenings at home.

Required Tools

Large soup pot, wooden spoon, chefs knife, and a cutting board are all you need to make this soup with ease.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has approximately 210 calories, with 4 g fat, 39 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.

Variations

You can substitute spinach or Swiss chard for kale, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Garnish with grated parmesan if you prefer (not vegan).

Delicious, homemade Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, perfectly simmered and ready to serve with crusty bread. Save
Delicious, homemade Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, perfectly simmered and ready to serve with crusty bread. | toastybloom.com

This soup is sure to warm your family and bring comfort to any chilly day. Enjoy leftovers for easy lunches all week long.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute kale with other greens?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard work well as alternatives, offering a milder flavor and similar texture when cooked.

How can I make the soup creamier without dairy?

Blend half the soup using an immersion blender before adding the kale to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

What spices enhance the flavor of this soup?

Dried thyme, oregano, and a bay leaf provide aromatic depth, complementing the vegetables beautifully.

Is it safe to use store-bought broth for this soup?

Yes, but check labels for gluten or soy if sensitivities exist to ensure compatibility.

Can I add heat to the soup?

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that balances the mild vegetables and herbs well.

Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Hearty blend of potatoes and kale simmered with herbs, perfect for cozy meals.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time for Cooking
30 minutes
Complete Time
45 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 4 Portion Count

Dietary Notes Plant-Based, No Dairy, Free from Gluten

What You Need

Vegetables

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
05 3 medium carrots, sliced
06 3 celery stalks, sliced
07 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable broth
02 1 cup water

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried thyme
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1 bay leaf
04 Salt and pepper, to taste
05 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.

Step 02

Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Cook Root Vegetables: Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in vegetable broth and water. Stir in dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Step 05

Simmer Vegetables: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until potatoes and carrots are tender.

Step 06

Add Kale: Stir in chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until wilted and tender.

Step 07

Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if necessary and stir in lemon juice if using. Serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains no major allergens.
  • Check store-bought broth for gluten or soy if sensitive.

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 6 g