21 Vegetable Soup Recipes That Are Completely Meat-Free

There's no better vegetarian comfort food than soup. Start with your favorite vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, add some hearty whole grains or fiber-packed beans and top everything off with a shower of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese and you've got a meatless meal that's easy to make ahead—and even easier to slurp up.

We've got all the recipes you need to cook your way through the year, too—from potato soups and chowders to tomato soups and all-veggie chilis. One of our favorites, though, has to be this hearty vegan bowl that conjures the flavors of Spain. The smoked paprika (aka pimenton) gives it a deep savory taste that anyone (even your favorite omnivore) will enjoy. We like water as the base of this soup because it lets the flavors of the vegetables shine through. While it's optional, the drizzle of sherry vinegar at the end adds a brightness that takes this dish to the next level.

Ina Garten’s Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup is a rich, velvety blend of earthy mushrooms, fragrant leeks and a touch of cream, perfect for cozy evenings or an elegant starter. This hearty soup delivers deep flavor with a rustic, gourmet touch.

Sweet potatoes were often sold by street vendors in Harlem, and these piping-hot nuggets on a wintry New York day were a reminder of home for the many Southerners who migrated north after the Civil War. For this miso-inspired take on sweet potatoes, you'll make a version of furikake, a popular Japanese seasoning that’s often sprinkled over rice or fish. In place of seaweed, use different seasonal leafy greens, like collard greens, to add a new dimension to it. Collard furikake makes a beautiful garnish for this golden sweet potato soup enriched with coconut milk.

Katie Lee’s Chipotle Carrot Soup combines sweet roasted carrots with smoky chipotle peppers for a bold, flavorful twist on a classic. It’s a vibrant, comforting bowl with just the right kick.

If you're looking for a hearty and healthful meal, consider this dried mushroom and barley soup. The barley adds nuttiness, a sprinkle of flour lends viscosity to the broth and the dried mushrooms provide meatiness and umami. If you have fresh mushrooms on hand, you can add them, too. The result is a deliciously nourishing, vegetarian dish that everyone will love.

This creamy vegan soup is hearty enough for a whole meal, thanks to chickpeas and a host of vegetables. To make it even more filling, you can add a scoop of cooked rice or noodles just before serving. When selecting a vegetable broth for this recipe, try to find one that is lighter in color and flavor so it doesn't overpower the other components.

This vegetable-packed minestrone relies on flavorful dried cannellini beans, which benefit from the long cooking time of a slow cooker (and no soaking is required!).

This vegan chili is every bit as comforting as the meat-filled counterpart, thanks to hearty lentils, beans and vegetables.