Ultimate Potato Soup Winter Warmer

Featured in: Earthy Weekend Recipes

This creamy potato dish blends Yukon Gold potatoes with sautéed vegetables, herbs, and a smooth plant-based broth for a comforting winter meal. Aromatic thyme, rosemary, and a hint of smoked paprika infuse each spoonful, while optional plant-based milk and cream add richness without heaviness. Garnished with fresh herbs and savory toppings, it’s a nourishing, gluten-free option fit for chilly days and flexible for vegan preferences.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:03:54 GMT
Creamy, comforting bowl of Ultimate Potato Soup, garnished with fresh herbs, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Creamy, comforting bowl of Ultimate Potato Soup, garnished with fresh herbs, ready to serve and enjoy. | hazelfork.com

The Ultimate Potato Soup: Vegan-Adaptable Winter Warmer A hearty, creamy potato soup loaded with vegetables and savory flavors, perfect for cold winter days. Easily adaptable for vegan diets without sacrificing richness or comfort.

This soup quickly became my favorite winter warmer to enjoy after chilly days, offering both comfort and nourishment.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter, 1 large yellow onion, diced, 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced, 2 celery stalks, diced, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 900 g (2 lbs) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced, 1 medium leek (white and light green parts), cleaned and sliced (optional)
  • Broth & Dairy: 1 L (4 cups) vegetable broth (use gluten-free if needed), 250 ml (1 cup) unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., oat, soy, almond) or dairy milk, 120 ml (1/2 cup) plant-based cream or heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Seasonings: 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • Garnishes (optional): Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, Vegan or regular sour cream, Plant-based bacon bits or crispy onions

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and leek (if using). Sauté for 5&ndash7 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring well.
Step 4:
Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20&ndash25 minutes, until potatoes are very tender.
Step 5:
Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Step 6:
For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot, leaving some potato chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer about 1/3 of the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and return to the pot.
Step 7:
Stir in plant-based milk and cream (if using). Warm gently for 2&ndash3 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Step 8:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, and toppings of choice.
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This recipe always brings warmth and smiles to family dinners throughout the winter.

Required Tools

Large soup pot, Chefs knife and cutting board, Immersion blender or countertop blender, Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains celery (common allergen for some individuals). If using plant-based milks or creams, check labels for nuts, soy, or gluten. Check broth for gluten if sensitive. Dairy-free and gluten-free when using suitable ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~260. Total Fat: 7 g. Carbohydrates: 42 g. Protein: 5 g per serving.

Close-up of the Ultimate Potato Soup; thick, and rich with visible chunks of potato, perfect for a cold day. Save
Close-up of the Ultimate Potato Soup; thick, and rich with visible chunks of potato, perfect for a cold day. | hazelfork.com

This soup is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, ideal for a cozy night in.

Ultimate Potato Soup Winter Warmer

Creamy potato soup with vegetables and warm spices, perfect for cozy winter meals and adaptable for vegan diets.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Time Required
50 minutes
Created by Lydia Carver

Recipe Group Earthy Weekend Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Gluten

Needed Ingredients

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
02 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 2 celery stalks, diced
05 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 4 cups (2 lbs) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
07 1 medium leek (white and light green parts), cleaned and sliced (optional)

Broth & Dairy

01 4 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
02 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (oat, soy, almond) or dairy milk
03 1/2 cup plant-based cream or heavy cream (optional)

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried thyme
02 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
03 1 bay leaf
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
05 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Garnishes (optional)

01 Fresh chives or parsley, chopped
02 Vegan or regular sour cream
03 Plant-based bacon bits or crispy onions

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and leek if using. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine Potatoes and Seasonings: Stir in peeled and diced potatoes, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, smoked paprika if used, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to blend flavors.

Step 04

Simmer Soup: Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 05

Remove Bay Leaf: Take out and discard the bay leaf from the pot.

Step 06

Partially Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot, leaving some potato chunks for texture. Alternatively, blend about one-third of the soup until smooth and return it to the pot.

Step 07

Incorporate Milk and Cream: Stir in plant-based milk and cream if using, warming gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, and optional toppings.

Essential Tools

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Ladle

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your doctor with any concerns.
  • Contains celery, a common allergen.
  • Check plant-based milk and cream labels for nuts, soy, or gluten.
  • Ensure vegetable broth is gluten-free if sensitive.

Nutritional Info (each portion)

Nutrition details are for reference and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 260
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 5 g