Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This hearty soup combines tender Yukon gold potatoes, nutrient-dense kale, and savory vegetables for a comforting meal. Olive oil, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs create depth of flavor, while simmering in vegetable broth yields a soothing texture. Quick to prepare, this dish yields a flavorful blend ideal for chilly days. Optional lemon juice brightens the palate, and blending part of the mixture can create a creamier consistency. Best served warm with crusty bread.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:05:00 GMT
Steaming hot Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished with fresh herbs and ready to be served. Pin
Steaming hot Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished with fresh herbs and ready to be served. | grillandbites.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 potato-kale soup on a rainy evening and it quickly became a favorite comfort food in our home. The combination of potatoes and kale creates a rich texture and wholesome flavor that always brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing vegetables
  • 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, adds brightness)

Instructions

Sauté vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic:
Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add root vegetables:
Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour liquids and season:
Pour in vegetable broth and water. Add thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Simmer:
Bring mixture 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 5–7 minutes until wilted and tender.
Finish:
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning and stir in lemon juice if using. Serve hot.
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It's always a pleasure watching my family gather for a warming bowl of soup on chilly nights. Even the kids ask for seconds, making it a regular request in our dinner rotation.

Required Tools

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

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. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat, or garnish with grated parmesan for extra flavor (not vegan).

Nutritional Information

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

A close-up shot of a rustic bowl filled with creamy Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup. Pin
A close-up shot of a rustic bowl filled with creamy Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup. | grillandbites.com

This soup is delicious with rustic bread or a light salad. Enjoy every spoonful as it warms you from the inside out.

Recipe FAQ

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape during cooking.

Can I substitute kale with other greens?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can be used for a milder flavor and similar texture.

How can I make the soup creamier?

Blend half of the cooked mixture with an immersion blender before adding kale for a smoother texture.

What herbs enhance the flavor?

Dried thyme and oregano add earthy notes, complemented by a bay leaf simmered in the broth.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as the vegetable broth used is certified gluten-free.

Can I add heat to the soup?

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes provides a gentle spicy kick without overpowering the flavors.

Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Warm, hearty blend of potatoes and kale, offering rich flavor and comforting textures.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Overall duration
45 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegan, No dairy, No gluten

Components

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)

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.

Phase 02

Add garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Cook root vegetables: Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.

Phase 04

Incorporate liquids and seasonings: Pour in vegetable broth and water. Stir in dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Add kale: Stir in chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until wilted and tender.

Phase 07

Final seasoning: Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning as needed and stir in lemon juice if desired.

Phase 08

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains no major allergens. Verify broth ingredients for gluten or soy if sensitive.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Protein: 6 g