Name: Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup with Crispy Chickpeas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 drizzle olive oil; ½ medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large russet potato (250 g), chopped; 1 large sweet potato (400 g), chopped; ½ cup raw cashews (70 g); ½ cup nutritional yeast (e.g., vegan “parmesan” style); 4 ½ cups vegetable broth; 4-5 heaping cups broccoli florets; 2 large carrots, grated; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt to taste (about 1 tsp); ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp turmeric; 1 can chickpeas, drained; Olive oil (for drizzling); Paprika (for seasoning); Salt and pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 87 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, nutritious, and utterly delicious bowl of goodness, this Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup with Crispy Chickpeas Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines velvety, creamy vegan cheese-infused soup with tender broccoli and the delightful crunch of crispy chickpeas, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will warm your soul and keep you coming back for more. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights in yet light enough to feel nourishing and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a white pot filled with large cube pieces of orange sweet potatoes and light tan potatoes. A stream of clear golden liquid is pouring into the pot, creating small bubbles on the surface of the liquid. The pot sits on a stovetop with sunlight casting natural light over the scene, and the background is changed to a white marbled texture. The mixture inside the pot shows a contrast between the bright orange and pale yellow cubes photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the hearty potatoes that give creaminess to the soup to the nutritional yeast that delivers that signature cheesy note without dairy.

Olive oil: Used to soften the vegetables and crisp up the chickpeas for a satisfying crunch.
½ medium onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup base.
3 cloves garlic: Boosts the savory aromatic profile and enhances the overall taste.
1 large russet potato (250 g): Provides a creamy texture when blended into the soup.
1 large sweet potato (400 g): Offers natural sweetness and vibrant color.
½ cup raw cashews (70 g): Creates the rich, velvety body so essential for a creamy vegan soup.
½ cup nutritional yeast: This cheesy vegan “parmesan” substitute adds umami and complexity.
4 ½ cups vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings all ingredients together.
4-5 heaping cups broccoli florets: The star vegetable packed with nutrients and texture.
2 large carrots (grated): Adds a touch of sweetness and bright color contrast.
Juice of 1 lemon: Provides a fresh, zesty lift that balances creamy richness.
Salt to taste (about 1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
½ tsp pepper: Adds a subtle, warm kick.
½ tsp garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor gently.
½ tsp onion powder: Deepens the savory undertones.
½ tsp paprika: Provides a mild smokiness and color.
½ tsp turmeric: Adds beautiful golden color and gentle earthiness.
1 can chickpeas (drained): Transformed into crispy bites that crown the soup with delightful texture.
Extra olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper for chickpeas: To season and crisp the chickpeas just right.

How to Make Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup with Crispy Chickpeas Recipe

Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup with Crispy Chickpeas Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

Start by warming a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion, garlic, and diced russet and sweet potatoes. Cover the pot and let them sweat gently for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and brings out their sweetness, laying a flavorful groundwork for the soup.

Step 2: Add Broth, Cashews, and Nutritional Yeast

Pour in the vegetable broth along with the soaked cashews and nutritional yeast. Stir everything well, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes become fork tender. The cashews melt into an irresistibly creamy base while the nutritional yeast adds that beloved cheesy flavor, crafting a dairy-free delight.

Step 3: Blend and Add Fresh Veggies

Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until it becomes impeccably smooth and creamy. Stir in the vibrant broccoli florets and freshly grated carrots. Return the pot to the stove and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still retains a little bite. Finally, brighten everything with a squeeze of lemon juice and season with salt, pepper, and your carefully measured spices.

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Chickpeas

While the soup simmers, drain and rinse a can of chickpeas. Spread them out on a baking sheet and drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. For perfectly crunchy chickpeas, air fry them at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking and flipping halfway through. If you prefer the oven, bake until crisped to your liking. These chickpeas add an irresistible crunch and a boost of plant-based protein.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and lavishly top each serving with the crispy chickpeas. Pair it with crispy bread for a comforting, well-rounded meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

How to Serve Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup with Crispy Chickpeas Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Drizzling a little extra olive oil or your favorite vegan sour cream can also create a lovely, glossy finish that feels indulgent.

Side Dishes

This soup shines with a side of toasted, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every creamy, cheesy drop. A fresh green salad or a crunchy slaw can offer a nice textural contrast and extra veggies to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation. Or try layering the soup with chickpeas and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast in clear glass mugs to showcase the gorgeous colors and textures. Whether you’re serving casual family dinners or impressing guests, this soup adapts beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for a quick and nourishing meal option during busy weekdays.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top of your freezer container to allow for expansion. Freeze the crispy chickpeas separately, as they lose their crunch when frozen.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it has thickened too much. Reheat the chickpeas in a toaster oven or oven to bring back their crunch before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well and is a convenient option that keeps the soup just as tasty and nutritious.

Do I need to soak the cashews before cooking?

While soaking cashews for a few hours softens them for blending, if you’re short on time, you can use raw cashews without soaking; just be sure to cook the soup until potatoes are very tender for smooth blending.

Are the crispy chickpeas necessary?

They are optional but highly recommended! The crispy chickpeas add a wonderful crunch and protein boost that make the soup feel complete and extra special.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, and just make sure any bread or additional sides you serve are gluten-free if required.

What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast provides that cheesy flavor and is key to this recipe’s signature taste. If you don’t have it, you could try vegan cheese substitutes or omit it, but the soup won’t have quite the same cheesy depth.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup with Crispy Chickpeas Recipe enough for anyone looking to enjoy a nourishing yet decadent meal that’s simple to make. It’s the cozy comfort food that satisfies every craving, bringing vibrant veggies and irresistible flavors together in one delicious bowl. Grab your ingredients and get cooking — your taste buds will thank you!