Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Featured in: Everyday Treats

This hearty blend combines tender Yukon gold potatoes with nutrient-rich kale, carrots, and celery simmered gently in a fragrant broth of thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Olive oil, onion, and garlic start the base, creating depth of flavor, while optional lemon juice adds brightness. This nourishing dish is easy to prepare and perfect for warming up on cooler days, offering a satisfying balance of textures and wholesome ingredients.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:41:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, with vibrant green kale and tender potatoes, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, with vibrant green kale and tender potatoes, ready to eat. | flourhollow.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 for my family on a cold evening, and the aroma of simmering vegetables brought everyone into the kitchen, eager to eat. It's now a regular favorite during winter months.

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 stalks: 3, sliced
  • Kale: 4 cups chopped, stems removed
  • Vegetable broth: 1 liter (4 cups)
  • Water: 1 cup
  • Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

Heat Onion:
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 cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Vegetable Mix:
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, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are tender.
Add Kale:
Stir in chopped kale and cook for 5–7 minutes until wilted and tender.
Finish:
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed and stir in lemon juice, if using.
Serve:
Serve hot with crusty bread or as desired.
Close-up of a rustic bowl filled with fresh Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, perfect for a cozy, comforting meal. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a rustic bowl filled with fresh Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, perfect for a cozy, comforting meal. | flourhollow.com

This soup was especially popular at a recent family get-together, where everyone appreciated its comforting flavor. Even the kids happily finished their bowls and asked for seconds.

Required Tools

All you need are a large soup pot, wooden spoon, chef's knife, and cutting board to prepare this recipe with ease.

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens. If using store-bought broth, check labels for gluten or soy if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Each serving supplies approximately 210 calories, 4 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.

Hearty Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup brimming with vegetables, ideal for a gluten-free and vegetarian dinner. Save to Pinterest
Hearty Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup brimming with vegetables, ideal for a gluten-free and vegetarian dinner. | flourhollow.com

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. Serve alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal that wonderfully warms up any chilly day.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute kale with other greens?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard work well as alternatives and provide a similar texture and nutrients.

How can I make the texture creamier?

Blend half of the mixture with an immersion blender before adding the kale to achieve a creamier consistency.

What seasoning enhances the flavor?

Thyme, oregano, and bay leaf infuse the broth with aromatic depth, while lemon juice can add a bright finishing touch.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, using gluten-free broth ensures the dish remains free of gluten.

Can I add protein to this dish?

While naturally vegetarian, adding beans or lentils can boost protein content without altering the flavor much.

Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Comforting blend of potatoes and kale, simmered to warm up chilly days.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cook Duration
30 mins
Overall Time
45 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 4 Servings Count

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, Free of Gluten

Ingredient List

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)

Steps

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: 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: Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Kale: Stir in chopped kale and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until kale is wilted and tender.

Step 07

Finish and Season: Remove bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir in lemon juice if desired for brightness.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread if preferred.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • No major allergens present. Verify store-bought broth for gluten or soy if sensitive.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fat content: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Protein Amount: 6 g