Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Featured in: Weekend Chill Plates

This warming soup combines tender Yukon gold potatoes with nutrient-dense kale, simmered alongside carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs. Olive oil sautéed onions and garlic build a rich base, while vegetable broth creates a soothing broth. The addition of thyme, oregano, and lemon juice adds brightness and depth. Perfectly tender vegetables balance hearty textures and fresh flavors, ideal for cozy days. Simple to prepare and naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, this dish delivers wholesome nourishment in every spoonful.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:32:00 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. | williesnack.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 recipe when looking for a cozy meal after a busy day. It quickly became a favorite for our family, especially during autumn.

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: 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

Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3&4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Vegetables:
Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
Simmer Soup:
Pour in vegetable broth and water. Stir in thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. 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 & Serve:
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed and stir in lemon juice, if using. Serve hot with crusty bread or as desired.
A vibrantly green and rustic bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, with visible potato chunks. Save
A vibrantly green and rustic bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, with visible potato chunks. | williesnack.com

My kids love helping chop the potatoes and kale for this soup, making dinner prep a real family moment.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 39 g, Protein: 6 g (per serving)

Hearty Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, a comforting blend of potatoes, kale, vegetables ready to serve. Save
Hearty Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, a comforting blend of potatoes, kale, vegetables ready to serve. | williesnack.com

This soup tastes even better the next day and makes fantastic leftovers.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What potatoes work best in this soup?

Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during cooking, adding heartiness to the soup.

Can I substitute kale with another leafy green?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard make great alternatives, offering similar nutrition and a tender texture when cooked.

How do the herbs impact the flavor?

Thyme and oregano provide earthy, aromatic notes that complement the vegetables and enhance the overall warmth of the dish.

Is blending part of the preparation process?

For a creamier texture, blend half of the cooked vegetables before adding kale, which creates a richer consistency without losing freshness.

How can I add brightness to the soup?

A splash of lemon juice added at the end brightens flavors and balances the earthiness of the greens and root vegetables.

Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

A comforting blend of potatoes and kale simmered with savory herbs for a warm and hearty meal.

Prep time
15 min
Time to cook
30 min
Total duration
45 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 4 Number of servings

Dietary notes Plant-based, No dairy, No gluten

What You'll 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)

How to make it

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: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Cook Vegetables: Incorporate diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes to begin softening.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, 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 Adjust Seasoning: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning as needed, and stir in lemon juice if using.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread.

Tools you'll need

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens.
  • Check vegetable broth labels for gluten or soy if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 6 g