Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Featured in: Simple Comfort Plates

This hearty soup embraces tender chunks of Yukon gold potatoes and vibrant chopped kale, simmered with aromatic onions, garlic, and herbs in a savory vegetable broth. Carrots and celery add sweetness and texture, while a touch of lemon juice brightens the savory notes. The blend can be enriched by pureeing part of the mixture for creaminess. Perfect for warming up on cool days, this dish balances nutrition and comfort in every spoonful.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:54:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished, ready to enjoy on a cold evening. Pin it
Steaming bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished, ready to enjoy on a cold evening. | freshymeals.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 a rainy afternoon, craving something warm and nourishing. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen for its robust flavor and simplicity.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for sauteing vegetables
  • 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

Saute 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 saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Potatoes, Carrots, Celery:
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:
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 shot of the flavorful Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, with tender vegetables and herbs. Pin it
Close up shot of the flavorful Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, with tender vegetables and herbs. | freshymeals.com

My family always gathers around the table for this soup, especially on winter nights. Even picky eaters love the blend of potatoes and kale.

Required Tools

Large soup pot, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 210 calories, 4 g fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein

Notes

For a creamier texture, blend half the soup with an immersion blender before adding the kale. Substitute spinach or Swiss chard for kale if preferred.

Hearty Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, a warming, comforting American soup recipe for any season. Pin it
Hearty Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, a warming, comforting American soup recipe for any season. | freshymeals.com

This soup is best enjoyed warm and fresh, but leftovers taste even better the next day.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute kale with other greens?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard work well as alternatives, providing similar texture and flavor.

How do I make the soup creamier?

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

What spices enhance this soup's flavor?

Dried thyme, oregano, and a bay leaf infuse gentle herbaceous notes, while optional lemon juice adds brightness.

Is this soup suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, provided the vegetable broth used is gluten-free.

Can I add a spicy kick to the soup?

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat without overpowering the natural flavors.

Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Tender potatoes and nutrient-rich kale combine in a comforting, flavorful blend perfect for chilly days.

How long to prep
15 min
Time to cook
30 min
Overall time
45 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Simple Comfort Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 4 Serving size

Dietary details Vegan-friendly, No dairy, No 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)

Steps to follow

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

Step 06

Incorporate Kale: Add 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 as needed and stir in lemon juice if desired. Serve hot.

Tools you’ll need

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

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify broth ingredients if store-bought.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 210
  • Fat content: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Protein amount: 6 g