This creamy carrot potato soup is the ultimate comfort food that checks all the right boxes — it’s vegan, wholesome, easy to make, and packed with rich flavor and nourishing vegetables. Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a chilly evening or serve a nutritious lunch that the whole family will love, this recipe delivers both taste and texture. The blend of carrots, potatoes, and celery simmered with herbs and finished with a velvety cashew cream creates a spoon-worthy bowl of goodness that’s hard to resist.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Carrot Potato Soup
This carrot potato soup is more than just another vegetable soup — it’s a hearty, flavorful, and dairy-free dish that satisfies on every level. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
- Vegan-Friendly: No dairy or meat, but full of rich, creamy flavor.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with carrots, potatoes, celery, and garlic — a vitamin-loaded powerhouse.
- Family-Approved: Mild flavors and smooth texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35–40 minutes with simple pantry staples.
Whether you’re plant-based or just trying to eat more veggies, this vegan carrot potato soup is a must-try.
What Goes Into This Vegan Soup Recipe
Each ingredient in this carrot potato soup contributes to its bold flavor and creamy consistency. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to enhance their flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Brings a mild sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- Carrots: Naturally sweet and earthy, they give the soup a vibrant color and robust flavor.
- Celery: Balances the sweetness of the carrots with savory notes and adds a nutritional boost.
- Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful — don’t skip it.
- Dried Thyme: Lends a warm, herbaceous element to the broth.
- Russet Potatoes: The starchy texture helps thicken the soup naturally without any flour or cream.
- Vegetable Broth: Infuses the entire soup with rich umami flavor. Opt for a flavorful one like vegan “not-chicken” broth.
- Bay Leaf: Optional, but it enhances the soup’s complexity with a subtle herbal note.
- Cashews: When blended, they create a dairy-free cream that adds body and a velvety finish.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors and balances the soup’s richness.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Smart Ingredient Swaps for Your Pantry or Preferences
Need to make a few changes? Here are smart swaps and ideas to adapt your carrot potato soup:
- No Cashews? Try unsweetened full-fat coconut milk for another vegan creamy option.
- Skip Celery? Add chopped leeks or extra carrots for a similar texture.
- Different Potatoes? Yukon Gold can work, though they’re waxier — avoid sweet potatoes for this recipe.
- Out of Thyme? Use Italian seasoning or a pinch of rosemary for a similar herb profile.
- Want It Spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
How to Make the Best Carrot Potato Soup
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a batch of comforting carrot potato soup that turns simple ingredients into a creamy masterpiece.
- Sauté the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. - Add Garlic and Potatoes
Stir in the garlic, dried thyme, and chopped russet potatoes. Let cook for another 2 minutes to release their aroma. - Simmer Everything Together
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are fork-tender. Remove the bay leaf. - Make Cashew Cream
While the soup simmers, blend ½ cup of soaked cashews with ½ cup water until completely smooth. Use a high-speed blender for best results. - Blend a Portion for Creaminess
Carefully transfer one cup of the hot soup into the blender with the cashew cream. Add lemon juice and blend until smooth. (Let soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splatter.) - Combine and Finish
Pour the blended mixture back into the soup pot. Stir well to incorporate and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm, ideally with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Carrot Potato Soup
To take your carrot potato soup from good to gourmet, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Sauté Slowly: Allowing onions, carrots, and celery to soften slowly enhances their flavor.
- Watch the Texture: Don’t over-blend. You want it smooth but still with some body.
- Let It Rest: Soup flavors deepen after sitting. If you can, make it a few hours ahead or enjoy leftovers the next day.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon: That little acidity makes a big difference in balancing richness.
Delicious Pairings and Tasty Variations
Pair your carrot potato soup with sides or customize it for a new twist:
- Serve With: Crusty sourdough, herbed focaccia, or a light green salad with vinaigrette.
- Toppings: Try a drizzle of olive oil, fresh cracked pepper, or crispy croutons on top.
- Make It Spicy: Stir in a bit of harissa or cayenne for a warming kick.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezer Tips: Freeze in individual containers for easy meal prep. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Seasonal Warmth and Health Benefits of Carrot Potato Soup
This carrot potato soup is a perfect transitional dish — cozy enough for winter, yet light enough for early fall or spring. It’s loaded with beta-carotene from carrots, fiber from potatoes and celery, and heart-healthy fats from cashews and olive oil. The plant-based profile makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and it’s gluten-free without needing adjustments.
Plus, this soup is incredibly satisfying without being heavy, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
With its silky texture, natural sweetness from the carrots, and satisfying bite of potatoes, this carrot potato soup proves that healthy comfort food is real — and absolutely delicious. Make a pot tonight and discover why this plant-powered soup deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Wrapping It All Up
This carrot potato soup delivers everything you want in a wholesome meal — comforting texture, nourishing ingredients, and bold, well-rounded flavor. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold night or add more vegetables to your weekly meals, this vegan soup is a delicious and satisfying option.
With easy-to-find ingredients and a foolproof method, it’s a great go-to recipe for meal prep, busy weeknights, or cozy weekends at home. Give it a try, and you’ll see how this creamy bowl of goodness can quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze carrot potato soup?
Yes, carrot potato soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
How can I make this carrot potato soup without cashew cream?
If you prefer not to use cashews, try substituting with full-fat coconut milk, heavy cream (if not vegan), or even oat cream. Each option gives the soup a creamy consistency without compromising flavor.
Is carrot potato soup suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor make this soup especially kid-friendly. You can even blend the entire batch if your kids prefer a uniform consistency.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Carrot Potato Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy carrot potato soup is a hearty, vegan-friendly comfort food packed with nutritious vegetables and a rich, velvety texture. Made with carrots, potatoes, and cashew cream, it’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 medium russet potatoes (about 12 oz), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours (or quick-soaked)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic, dried thyme, and chopped potatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaf and set aside.
- While soup simmers, blend soaked cashews with 1/2 cup water until completely smooth to create cashew cream.
- Transfer 1 cup of hot soup to the blender with cashew cream and add lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Return the blended mixture to the soup pot and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
- To quick-soak cashews: Cover cashews with boiling water and let sit for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Let soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
- For a nut-free version, substitute cashew cream with coconut milk or oat cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
