Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup

This comforting potato and kale dish combines tender Yukon gold potatoes, fresh kale, carrots, celery, and fragrant herbs simmered in vegetable broth. Lightly sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while thyme, oregano, and bay leaf enhance the flavor. Finished with a splash of lemon juice for brightness, this hearty saffron-free soup is perfect for chilly days and simple to prepare. Optional blending provides a creamier texture, and substitutions like spinach can easily tailor the dish to your liking.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:49:00 GMT
Steam rises from a bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished with fresh herbs and ready to serve. Save
Steam rises from a bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished with fresh herbs and ready to serve. | collationspot.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 when I wanted something both warm and nourishing. The aroma of simmering vegetables made my kitchen feel extra cozy.

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 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

Sauté aromatics:
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 sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add vegetables:
Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
Add liquids & 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 & serve:
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed and stir in lemon juice, if using. Serve hot.
A vibrant close-up of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, showcasing tender potatoes and healthy kale. Save
A vibrant close-up of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, showcasing tender potatoes and healthy kale. | collationspot.com

This soup quickly became a family favorite, especially served with warm crusty bread on the side.

Required Tools

Use a large soup pot, wooden spoon, a chefs knife, and a cutting board for easy preparation.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains no major allergens. Always check labels on store-bought broth for gluten or soy if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 210 calories, 4g fat, 39g carbohydrates, and 6g protein.

Warm, inviting image: a comforting bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup perfect for a cozy supper. Save
Warm, inviting image: a comforting bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup perfect for a cozy supper. | collationspot.com

Enjoy this satisfying soup on a chilly day & let it warm you from the inside out.

Recipe Help

Can I substitute the kale with another green?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can be used instead of kale for a different texture and flavor.

How can I make the soup creamier?

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

What herbs enhance the flavor of this dish?

Dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf provide a savory herbal aroma that complements the vegetables well.

Is it necessary to add lemon juice?

Lemon juice is optional but adds a bright, fresh note that balances the earthy flavors of the potatoes and kale.

Can I add some heat to the dish?

A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added during cooking for a subtle spicy kick.

What type of broth is best to use?

A vegetable broth works best, ensuring the dish remains vegetarian and rich in flavor. Check for gluten-free options if needed.

Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup

A warm, nourishing blend of tender potatoes, nutrient-rich kale, and savory vegetables with herb-infused broth.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Special Diets 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

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 Root Vegetables: Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Simmer Soup: Bring mixture 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

Final Touches: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning as needed, and stir in lemon juice if using.

Step 08

Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread or as desired.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review every item for allergens and connect with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens; check store-bought broth for gluten or soy if sensitive.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Info for reference only—don’t take this as expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Lipids: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 6 g