Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This cozy dish blends tender Yukon gold potatoes with fresh, nutrient-packed kale in a savory vegetable broth. Sautéed onion, garlic, and aromatic herbs build a rich foundation, while carrots and celery add depth and texture. Simmered until vegetables are tender, then finished with a splash of lemon for brightness, this soup offers warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Perfect for easy, wholesome meals that delight the palate on cool days.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:22:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, showcasing vibrant green kale and tender potatoes, ready to eat. Pin it
Steaming bowl of Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, showcasing vibrant green kale and tender potatoes, ready to eat. | smartyskitchen.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 cold weekend and loved the way it warmed up the kitchen while bringing out the flavors of fresh vegetables.

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:
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Vegetables:
Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour Liquids and 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 Soup:
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed and stir in lemon juice, if using.
Serve:
Serve hot with crusty bread or as desired.
Close-up of a rustic bowl filled with Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished, inviting a cozy dinner. Pin it
Close-up of a rustic bowl filled with Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, garnished, inviting a cozy dinner. | smartyskitchen.com

My family always asks for seconds of this soup, especially on busy weeknights when we need something quick and nourishing.

Required Tools

For easiest prep, use a large soup pot and a sturdy wooden spoon along with a sharp chefs knife and cutting board.

Allergen Information

This soup contains no major allergens but check vegetable broth labels if sensitive to gluten or soy.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 210 calories, 4 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein.

Hearty Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, a warming, flavorful soup perfect on a cold and breezy day. Pin it
Hearty Vegetarian Potato-Kale Soup, a warming, flavorful soup perfect on a cold and breezy day. | smartyskitchen.com

Serve this soup piping hot with a squeeze of lemon for brightness and enjoy a cozy meal.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can be used as substitutes, offering similar texture and flavor variations.

How can I make the soup creamier?

Blend half of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the kale to achieve a smoother, creamier texture.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Can I add heat to this dish?

Yes, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added during cooking or used as a garnish to introduce subtle spice.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this dish uses gluten-free ingredients. Just ensure any store-bought broth is certified gluten-free.

Vegetarian Potato Kale Soup

Hearty, comforting soup with potatoes and kale, ideal for chilly days and packed with vibrant flavors.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details 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)

Directions

Step 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.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Cook root vegetables: Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for 5 minutes to soften vegetables slightly.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Finalize and serve: Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning as needed and stir in optional lemon juice for brightness. Serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • No major allergens present; check broth labels if sensitive to gluten or soy.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 6 g